We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Applying Material Flow Analysis for Sustainable Waste Management of Single-Use Plastics and Packaging Materials in the Republic of Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
This study applies material flow analysis (MFA) to trace the movement of materials through waste management systems, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. By quantifying inputs, outputs, and losses at each stage, MFA provides a data-driven foundation for designing more sustainable waste management strategies. The approach helps policymakers and practitioners prioritize interventions that reduce environmental impact and resource loss.
This study involves a material flow analysis (MFA) of single-use plastics (SUPs) and packaging materials in the Republic of Korea, focusing on their short lifespans and significant contributions to plastic waste. Based on the MFA results, recommended policies for managing packaging materials and SUPs were proposed. In 2021, 6.340 Mt of synthetic resin were produced, with 39.7% (2.518 Mt) utilized for packaging materials and SUPs. The per capita consumption of these materials was 48.7 kg/year, surpassing global averages. The separate collection rate was 54.6%, with films (26.2%) and manufacturing facilities (10.6%) exhibiting the lowest rates. The overall recycling rate was 52.7%, and 981 t of recycled waste was directly placed in soil. The reliability of the MFA results was estimated to be 83.1%, which is an improvement compared to previous studies. Recommendations include reducing plastic use, expanding recycling infrastructure, raising public awareness, and implementing stricter regulations to control soil contamination.
More Papers Like This
Investigation of plastic waste management in Thailand using material flow analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This study used material flow analysis to model plastic waste in Thailand under two future scenarios, finding that even under Thailand's ambitious national roadmap, the 2027 target of 100% recycling of priority plastics is unlikely to be met, with a projected maximum recycling rate of 67%.
Recycling, Material Flow, and Recycled Content Demands of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles towards a Circular Economy in Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined the recycling system and material flow of PET bottles in Korea under different consumption reduction scenarios. The findings suggest that while PET recycling rates have improved under extended producer responsibility policies, achieving a true circular economy for plastic bottles requires further increases in recycled content and reductions in overall consumption.
Comparative life cycle GHG emissions of single-use plastic cups and reusable cups for beverages
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of single-use plastic cups against reusable alternatives for beverages, finding that reusable cups have lower per-use emissions after a modest number of wash cycles, but that the break-even point depends heavily on washing method and use frequency.
Plastic recycling in South Korea: problems, challenges, and policy recommendations in the endemic era
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how plastic waste generation in South Korea surged during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased online shopping and food delivery, while recycling rates declined. Researchers found that despite active waste management policies, the country needs stronger measures modeled on international best practices. The study highlights that microplastics remain a particular concern because their full environmental impacts are not yet well understood.
A high-resolution dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of seven plastic polymers; A case study of Norway
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic ingestion by wild boar, deer, and other terrestrial wildlife in a mixed agricultural-forested landscape, finding particles in gastrointestinal contents of most individuals sampled. The study demonstrates that microplastic contamination is not confined to aquatic systems but is pervasive in terrestrial food webs as well.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.