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Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The marine plastic footprint
ClearMapping of global plastic value chain and plastic losses to the environment: with a particular focus on marine environment
This report maps the global plastic value chain from production through use to waste management, estimating that millions of tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, with significant regional variation in management capacity. The analysis provides the economic and waste management context needed to understand why plastic pollution — and the resulting microplastic problem — continues to grow globally.
Review of plastic footprint methodologies: laying the foundation for the development of a standardised plastic footprint measurement tool
This report reviews existing methodologies for measuring plastic footprints of companies and organizations, finding no standardized approach currently exists. It lays groundwork for a common plastic footprint measurement tool to help track and reduce plastic pollution at the source.
Delineating and preventing plastic waste leakage in the marine and terrestrial environment
Researchers outline the global challenge of plastic waste leaking into marine and land environments, tracing the problem to poor waste management, limited recycling technology, and low public awareness. The commentary calls for upstream design changes and downstream cleanup strategies to reduce plastic litter worldwide.
Developing a method for estimation of plastic waste leaked into the ocean
Researchers developed a methodology for estimating how much plastic waste leaks into the ocean from Vietnam, combining national waste generation data with leakage factors. The lack of standardized data was identified as a major obstacle to accurate assessment. A reliable estimation method is essential for measuring progress toward Vietnam's goal of reducing marine plastic debris by 75% by 2030.
Ocean-based sources of plastic pollution: An overview of the main marine activities in the Peruvian EEZ.
This study used material flow analysis to quantify the plastic waste entering the ocean from Peruvian fishing, shipping, and aquaculture activities, finding the fishing industry as the largest marine-based source. The results highlight the importance of ocean-based sources of plastic pollution alongside the better-studied land-based pathways.
A local-to-global emissions inventory of macroplastic pollution.
This study developed a high-resolution global inventory of macroplastic pollution by distributing nationally reported waste management data down to sub-national and local scales, producing maps of plastic emission hotspots. The dataset is intended to support negotiations for a global plastics treaty by providing a data-driven baseline for identifying sources and prioritizing interventions.
Life cycle inventory of plastics losses from seafood supply chains: Methodology and application to French fish products
Researchers developed a life cycle inventory methodology for quantifying plastic losses from seafood supply chains, applying it to French fish products to identify key stages where plastic enters the environment from fishing through retail.
Plastic packaging flows in Europe: A hybrid input‐output approach
Researchers modeled plastic packaging material flows across the EU using a hybrid input-output approach, mapping supply chains by polymer type, packaging form, and application category to reveal that packaging represents a major fraction of plastic consumption with significant gaps in end-of-life recycling infrastructure.
Marine litter: how to monitor, reduce and prevent ocean debris. Focus on plastics and microplastics.
This report reviewed the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans and the policy landscape for addressing it, emphasizing that production, use, and end-of-life management all require reform. It frames plastic pollution as a systemic challenge requiring coordinated international action rather than single-issue solutions.
Inventories of plastic pollution sources, flows and hotspots as a baseline for national action plans: The experience of Mexico.
Mexico developed a national inventory of plastic pollution sources using material flow analysis, literature review, and stakeholder workshops to identify where plastic leaks into the environment across the waste management system. The process revealed critical leakage points in collection and disposal infrastructure, providing a baseline for Mexico's national plastic pollution action plan.
An Overview of the Current Trends in Marine Plastic Litter Management for a Sustainable Development
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.
Polymer prioritization framework: A novel multi-criteria framework for source mapping and characterizing the environmental risk of plastic polymers
Researchers developed a multi-criteria framework for ranking the environmental risk of plastic polymers, finding that polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polystyrene posed the highest risk, with packaging and construction sectors as dominant sources.
Is it fate? Quantifying the probabilities of mismanaged macroplastics reaching the ocean within the Life Cycle Assessment framework
Researchers developed a probabilistic framework within the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify the likelihood of mismanaged macroplastics reaching the ocean at different life cycle stages, aiming to better quantify the contribution of macroplastics to marine pollution and their role as precursors to microplastics through fragmentation.
Mapping Plastic and Plastic Additive Cycles in Coastal Countries: A Norwegian Case Study
Researchers developed a comprehensive method using dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis to map the entire plastic cycle in Norway, including 232 plastic additives. For the first time, they modeled the progressive leaching of microplastics during the use phase of consumer products. The study provides a detailed picture of how plastic polymers and their chemical additives move through coastal economies and eventually reach the environment.
Exploring the EU plastic value chain: A material flow analysis
Researchers conducted a material flow analysis of the EU27 plastic value chain, finding that only 19% of plastics were recycled in 2019, with total losses amounting to 4% of production and significant variation across sectors and polymer types.
Projections of plastic leakage to the environment to 2060
This review examines projected trends for plastic leakage to terrestrial and aquatic environments through 2060, finding that without intervention, plastics use and waste generation are expected to triple, substantially increasing environmental contamination and associated impacts on ecosystems and human health.
Complexities of the global plastics supply chain revealed in a trade-linked material flow analysis
A global analysis of the 2022 plastics supply chain found that 437 million tonnes of plastics were traded worldwide, with only 9% recycled while 34% was incinerated and 40% went to landfills. The study reveals how plastic production is concentrated in oil-rich countries while waste often ends up in lower-income nations, highlighting the scale of plastic pollution that ultimately breaks down into microplastics affecting human health.
The United States’ contribution of plastic waste to land and ocean
Researchers found that the United States generated the largest amount of plastic waste of any country in 2016 at 42 million metric tons, with a significant portion being illegally dumped or exported to countries with poor waste management. The study estimates that between 0.91 and 2.24 million metric tons of U.S. plastic waste ended up in the environment, highlighting the need for improved domestic waste reduction strategies.
A Methodology to Characterize Riverine Macroplastic Emission Into the Ocean
This paper presents a standardized methodology for measuring and characterizing macroplastic emissions from rivers into the ocean, addressing a major data gap in global plastic budget estimates. Consistent measurement frameworks are essential for understanding how much plastic enters the ocean from land-based sources via rivers.
Quantity of plastic waste input into the ocean from China based on a material flow analysis model
Using a material flow analysis model combined with official Chinese statistics, researchers estimated how much plastic waste from China enters the ocean each year. The results quantify China's substantial contribution to global marine plastic pollution and provide baseline data to support policy efforts aimed at reducing ocean plastic inputs.
Methodology to address potential impacts of plastic emissions in life cycle assessment
Researchers proposed a new method for including the environmental impact of plastic emissions in life cycle assessments, which currently tend to make plastic products appear less harmful than alternatives. The approach introduces characterization factors based on how long different plastics persist in the environment. The study suggests that accounting for plastic pollution in these assessments could significantly change how the environmental footprint of plastic products is evaluated.
An Assessment of Mass Balance Accounting Methods for Polymers workshop report
Researchers convened a workshop to assess mass balance accounting methods for polymers, evaluating approaches for tracking recycled content through complex plastic supply chains to support circular economy goals.
Investigation of plastic and microplastic waste from ships in the marine environment
Researchers investigated plastic and microplastic waste originating from ships in the marine environment, examining the types, quantities, and pathways by which vessel operations contribute to marine plastic pollution. The study addresses a relatively underexplored source of marine plastic contamination compared to land-based inputs.
Marine Plastic Pollution: Current Situation, Impacts, and Governance Strategies
This review examines the current state of marine plastic pollution, noting that approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean annually. The study discusses how plastics decompose and release toxic substances that harm marine life, and how plastic particles can enter the human food chain, while highlighting governance strategies and international efforts to address the problem.