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Limitation of circular plastics economy based on recycling
Summary
A critical review of recycling-based plastic circular economy models found that social, technological, economic, and environmental constraints collectively undermine the scale and effectiveness of plastic recycling, creating a false impression of progress. These systemic limitations are directly relevant to microplastic pollution research, as inadequate recycling infrastructure allows plastics to fragment and enter ecosystems as microplastics.
The purpose of the article is to identify the most important constraints to a recycling-based plastic economy. The issue is important, given the scale of the plastic waste crisis and requires a critical look at the effectiveness of the main exposed approach for dealing with it. The major research method was a review of the available literature, thematic reports, statistical data and relevant legal acts. This included a synthesis of existing studies that address plastic waste management, recycling technologies and the broader implications of the circular economy model in relation to plastic waste. The research approach assumes a critical view therefore, the statistics presented in this article are intended to show the limitations of the global plastic policy. The main conclusion is that there are numerous social, technological, economic and environmental constraints that hamper the scale and speed of change in the recycled economy. As a result, basing the concept of dealing with plastic waste on recycling creates a false impression of its role in the circular economy.