Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used plastic in packaging, accounting for nearly 44% of global plastic production. However, over 90% of PET bottles end up in landfills or oceans, where they persist for centuries. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable PET recycling to mitigate environmental impact. The review discusses various recycling methods, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary recycling, as well as biological and "zero-order" techniques. Among these, catalytic glycolysis stands out for its efficiency, high monomer yield (>90%), and ease of catalyst recovery. This method involves breaking down PET into monomers using ethylene glycol and catalysts, enabling the production of high-quality recycled materials. Oxide-based catalysts are particularly promising for large-scale industrial applications due to their cost-effectiveness and durability. The review emphasizes the importance of circular economy principles in PET management, advocating for strategies that reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact. It also highlights the potential of glycolysis in achieving a closed-loop system, contributing to a sustainable future. The review underscores the need for further research and development in PET recycling technologies to support global efforts in reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used plastic in packaging, accounting for nearly 44% of global plastic production. However, over 90% of PET bottles end up in landfills or oceans, where they persist for centuries. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable PET recycling to mitigate environmental impact. The review discusses various recycling methods, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary recycling, as well as biological and "zero-order" techniques. Among these, catalytic glycolysis stands out for its efficiency, high monomer yield (>90%), and ease of catalyst recovery. This method involves breaking down PET into monomers using ethylene glycol and catalysts, enabling the production of high-quality recycled materials. Oxide-based catalysts are particularly promising for large-scale industrial applications due to their cost-effectiveness and durability. The review emphasizes the importance of circular economy principles in PET management, advocating for strategies that reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact. It also highlights the potential of glycolysis in achieving a closed-loop system, contributing to a sustainable future. The review underscores the need for further research and development in PET recycling technologies to support global efforts in reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.