Summary
This paper applies a trade-linked material flow analysis to map the complexities of the global plastics supply chain, tracing flows of plastic materials from production through trade to end-of-life disposal across international boundaries. Published in Communications Earth & Environment in 2025, it likely highlights how cross-border trade obscures accountability for plastic waste and complicates governance efforts. The findings are expected to contribute quantitative evidence to ongoing international negotiations on plastic pollution, such as the UN Global Plastics Treaty.
UK applicability
Whilst the study is global in scope, its findings are relevant to UK policymakers navigating post-Brexit trade regulations and the UK's commitments under international plastic pollution frameworks; the UK is both a significant plastics consumer and exporter of plastic waste, making supply chain transparency insights directly applicable to domestic extended producer responsibility schemes.
Key measures
Plastics trade volumes (tonnes); material flow quantities by polymer type or product category; country-level import/export balances; supply chain linkages
Outcomes reported
The study likely quantified global plastics production, trade, and end-of-life flows across countries, revealing structural complexities and interdependencies within the international plastics supply chain. It probably identified key exporting and importing nations and potential leverage points for governance or waste reduction interventions.
Topic tags
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