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Zero-waste circular economy of plastic packaging: The bottlenecks and a way forward
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Researchers analyzed why plastic packaging recycling rates have stalled and identified key bottlenecks including difficult-to-recycle plastics like polystyrene and PVC. They propose simplifying the system to focus on four recyclable plastics (PET, PP, HDPE, LDPE) and treating them in two streams to move toward a true zero-waste circular economy.
Interest in recycling is higher than ever, with the recycling of plastic packaging waste being a significant concern for the general public and governments worldwide. However, the rate of plastic packaging waste recycling has stagnated over the past five years. This implies current strategies are insufficient and new approaches are required. We evaluate the present situation and highlight the bottlenecks that are limiting efficient recovery of plastic packaging waste using currently available systems. Difficult to recycle thermoplastics such as polystyrene and poly(vinyl chloride) are not needed in packaging, which we propose should be based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP), high-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE respectively). Furthermore, we draw attention to the opportunity for keeping PET/PP packaging as a single waste stream, and leaving HDPE and LDPE as a standalone stream, to enable efficient plastic separation of individual types of plastic for mechanical recycling to achieve a zero-waste circular economy for all plastic packaging.
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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.