We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Research Priorities for a Circular Economy for Plastic Sustainability in the Caribbean
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews existing knowledge and expert input on plastic waste across the Caribbean region, highlighting gaps in waste management infrastructure and a lack of reliable data on how much plastic waste exists and how it moves. It identifies research priorities needed to build more sustainable, circular plastic systems in the region.
Abstract Caribbean countries bear a disproportionate burden of marine plastic pollution because of their small landmass, high population density, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. Many Caribbean nations depend on informal, unmanaged landfills, underscoring an urgent need for more resilient, sustainable systems. This perspective synthesizes existing data to map the region’s plastic waste landscape and leverages regional expertise to identify key research priorities. This work emerged from interdisciplinary international professionals and members of the CEPlaSt (circular economy for plastic sustainability) network. A major barrier to circularity is the lack of reliable data on waste composition and flows, alongside stark infrastructure disparities across the wider Caribbean region. Addressing these gaps through targeted investment and region-specific planning is essential to modernize waste systems, reduce plastic emissions, and advance a sustainable Caribbean plastic circular economy.
More Papers Like This
An Overview of the Current Trends in Marine Plastic Litter Management for a Sustainable Development
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge about marine plastic litter, from its land-based origins to its distribution across ocean environments, and evaluates recovery and recycling strategies. Researchers found that while technologies for collecting and recycling marine plastics are advancing, significant economic and logistical barriers remain. The study emphasizes that a circular economy approach, combining prevention, collection, and material recovery, is essential for addressing ocean plastic pollution.
Plastic Waste: Challenges and Opportunities to Mitigate Pollution and Effective Management
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed plastic waste generation and management strategies globally, identifying lack of technical skills, inadequate recycling infrastructure, and poor regulatory awareness as the main barriers to addressing the ~400 million tons of plastic produced annually.
Source, sea and sink—A holistic approach to understanding plastic pollution in the Southern Caribbean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers took a holistic approach to characterizing plastic pollution across surface water, subsurface, sediment, and biota in the Southern Caribbean, finding that despite heavy tourism and fishing reliance, quantitative plastic data for the region had been largely absent.
Plastic waste as a challenge for sustainable development and circularity in the European Union
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the plastic waste crisis in the European Union, evaluating gaps between recycling policy ambitions and actual outcomes. It argues that without major improvements in waste management infrastructure and circular economy practices, plastics will continue to fragment into microplastics and contaminate European ecosystems.
Understanding the socioeconomic determinants of marine plastic pollution: Evaluating policy effectiveness and mitigation strategies in the Global South.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized qualitative and quantitative evidence on marine plastic pollution in the Global South, identifying rapid urbanization, inadequate waste infrastructure, and weak governance as primary drivers, and recommending integrated strategies combining single-use plastic bans, extended producer responsibility, regional cooperation, and circular economy incentives.
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.