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Trends in circular economy and plastic packaging: A 5-year review of academic literature
Summary
This review of 355 studies finds that most "circular economy" research on plastic packaging focuses narrowly on recycling at the end of a product's life, rather than looking at the whole picture from production to disposal—and most of this research comes from wealthier countries, leaving out perspectives from places most affected by plastic waste. Since single-use plastics are linked to health concerns and pollution worldwide, this gap matters: without clearer, more inclusive definitions of what "circular" really means, efforts to reduce plastic waste and its health risks may fall short just as global leaders negotiate a major plastic pollution treaty.
Abstract Hundreds of millions of metric tons of single-use plastic packaging are produced and used worldwide, but also a concern for human health, a challenge to waste management, and an abundant litter item globally. While the circular economy (CE) has been touted as a potential solution to the plastics crisis, consensus is lacking on definitions, metrics, and operationalization. This novel review, which examines the portrayal of CE specifically for plastic packaging in academic literature between 2019 and 2023, provides insight into sectors represented, life cycle stages evaluated, geographic focus, perspectives, and trends across 355 peer-reviewed articles. Findings highlight key gaps in academic research on the CE of plastic packaging, such as a majority of first authors and geographic study focus from The Global North (83% and 67%, respectively) and lack of representation from The Global South. We find a disproportionate focus on the ‘end-of-cycle’ stage of the plastic life cycle (> 50% of articles); a need for standardization and clarification among CE definitions and methodologies; and a lack of incorporation of environmental justice and social equity into CE research and discussions. While some findings suggest that research on the CE of plastic packaging may be moving towards a more holistic practice, critical needs remain around equity, harmonization, and a full life cycle approach. Given the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution and discussions at various levels of governance on the topic worldwide, now is a critical time for shared nomenclature, metrics, and common understanding to support the circular economy.