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Reflecting on hypertrophic plastic waste: concerns and levers
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This commentary critically reviews the state of plastic waste management, arguing for better integration across the entire plastics supply chain — from production through consumption to recycling — and stronger government policy coherence. It also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic affected plastic use patterns and existing regulatory frameworks.
This paper intends to critically review the concerns and levers of the plastics management sector. Here we emphasise the need for seamless integration between all stages (production, consumption and recycling) of the plastics supply chain and the fundamental role played by the state as a promoter of coherent policies for sustainable development. The connection between pandemia and the current regulatory framework is thoroughly discussed.
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The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a shift to a plastic circular economy
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Researchers argue that the COVID-19 pandemic's surge in single-use plastic demand exposes deep flaws in linear plastic waste management, calling for coordinated action by governments, industry, and researchers to shift toward circular economy principles including intelligent design and sustainable upcycling of plastics.
Micro-consumerist bollocks in the fight against plastic pollution: when good intentions - and regulatory initiatives - go awry
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This perspective argues that most regulatory initiatives targeting plastic pollution — such as banning single-use straws or bags — have minimal real-world impact because they do not address overall plastic production or waste management, with the COVID-19 pandemic further reversing progress.
An integrated approach to managing single-use-plastics
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This study presents an integrated policy and management approach to reducing single-use plastic consumption, examining how poor regulation and overreliance on single-use plastics have strained landfills, harmed food chains, and impacted tourism. The authors review responses from G7, G20, BRICS, and UN bodies and propose coordinated strategies for transitioning toward more sustainable plastic management.
Bottlenecks of Global Plastic Strategy and the Way Forward of Microplastics Management
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This review examines bottlenecks in global plastic waste management strategies, arguing that rising plastic use in everyday activities has outpaced regulatory and logistical capacity, and proposing pathways forward for more effective microplastics management at a global scale.
The need for a global plastic strategy
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This perspective article argued that the scale of global plastic pollution — with 8,300 million metric tons produced and 79% accumulated in landfills or the environment — requires a coordinated global plastic strategy rather than piecemeal national measures. The author calls for international policy frameworks comparable to those addressing climate change and ozone depletion.
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.