High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is among the most voluminous commodity plastic, which has received increasing public scrutiny about its impact on environment and climate change. There have been many efforts to recycle HDPE chemically, though significant hurdles remain. Toward a closed-loop economy, it is considered appealing to design “HDPE-like” materials, which contain built-in degradable groups and preserve thermal and mechanical properties like HDPE. This review provides a concise overview of three major areas: HDPE recycling methods, preparation of “HDPE-like” materials, and perspective towards more sustainable polymers. Each section includes a few inspiring achievements and challenges of the past decade. Display omitted •General recycling methods for plastic waste.•HDPE chemical recycling, including traditional means, catalytic hydroconversion for HDPE upcycling, and tandem strategies.•Methods to synthesize “HDPE-like” materials via polycondensation, ROP, ROMP, and ADMET.•Perspectives for green bioplastic developed from renewable natural resources, especially plant oils.