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Global Plastic Waste Trade: An Analysis of Sources and Trends (1996-2024)
Summary
The global trade in plastic waste — where wealthy nations ship plastic scraps to poorer ones for processing — has shaped recycling systems worldwide, but its sustainability is deeply contested. This bibliometric review of 257 academic papers (1996–2024) maps the research landscape, finding that China's 2018 ban on importing foreign plastic waste was a dominant topic, and that the trade raises serious concerns about environmental harm and economic inequality in recipient countries. The study underscores that international plastic waste flows are not a straightforward solution to the plastic crisis and require much closer scrutiny.
The trade in plastic waste plays a crucial role in the advancement of global waste management and recycling systems. Developed nations export plastic waste to developing countries, reducing environmental harm and creating economic opportunities. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 257 articles on plastic waste trade published between 1996 and 2024 in the Web of Science (WoS). The analysis highlights China's 2018 import ban as a key topic, with Chen, W.Q. identified as the most prolific author. Resources, Conservation and Recycling is the leading journal in this field. The study reveals China's unique academic characteristics compared to other countries, with the U.S. as the second most significant contributor. Key author keywords include waste, life cycle assessment, and circular economy. This research fills a gap in literature and aims to be a foundational resource for scholars in the field.
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