Perspective article: Multisectoral considerations to enable a circular economy for plastics
Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol. 496, pp. 139326
Abstract
Plastics are widely used but improper disposal and release lead to increasing global pollution, threatening environmental and human health. To address this issue, we suggest intersectoral collaboration to achieve zero plastic pollution. The outcomes of the project P-LEACH demonstrated the enormous complexity and range of potential toxic effects of plastic-associated chemicals and micro-/nanoplastics released into water from UV-weathered plastics. We initiated an intersectoral dialogue amongst scientists, manufacturers, regulators and representatives of civil society about how to alleviate the negative impacts of plastic pollution. Circular economy offers a framework for selecting non-toxic chemicals, extending product (re)use, and waste reduction, which act to alleviate pollution when applied to plastics. We suggest three measures to advance a circular economy of plastics: 1.) Increase simplicity of chemicals in virgin plastics combined with transparent information on the contents; 2.) Consider recyclability already in plastic material and product design; 3.) Foster communication through intersectoral dialogue. Major cornerstones are the provision of standardized, easy-to-use tools to characterize plastics and plastic leachates chemically and (eco)toxicologically, the enhancement of citizen awareness enabling them to make informed choices, the creation of economic incentives for manufacturers, and sector-specific regulations to provide products that safeguard environmental and human health.
Authors 24
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Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research · RWTH Aachen University
Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, DE 04318, Germany; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, Aachen, DE 52074, Germany. Electronic address: annika.jahnke@ufz.de
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GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Affiliation as printed
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, Kiel, DE 24148, Germany
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Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Affiliation as printed
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven, DE 27570, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
German Environment Agency (UBA), Wörlitzer Platz 1, Dessau, DE 06844, Germany
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Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Affiliation as printed
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven, DE 27570, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Geesthacht, DE 21502, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Geesthacht, DE 21502, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Geesthacht, DE 21502, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND), Kaiserin-Augusta-Allee 5, Berlin, DE 10553, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, Bayreuth, DE 95440, Germany
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Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Affiliation as printed
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven, DE 27570, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Heather Leslie Projects, Zamenhofstraat 108-408, Amsterdam, AG 1022, The Netherlands
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Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Geesthacht, DE 21502, Germany
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GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Affiliation as printed
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, Kiel, DE 24148, Germany
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Federal Institute For Materials Research and Testing
Affiliation as printed
Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin, DE 12205, Germany
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Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Affiliation as printed
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven, DE 27570, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Geesthacht, DE 21502, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, Bayreuth, DE 95440, Germany
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Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, DE 04318, Germany
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Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, DE 04318, Germany
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Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg · Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment
Affiliation as printed
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, ICBM, Carl v. Ossietzky Str. 9-11, Oldenburg, DE 26129, Germany
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Süddeutsches Kunststoff-Zentrum (Germany)
Affiliation as printed
German Plastics Center SKZ, Friedrich-Bergius-Ring 22, Würzburg, DE 97076, Germany
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Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brückstr. 3a, Magdeburg, DE 39114, Germany
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Dana Kühnel corresponding
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research · University of the Free State
Affiliation as printed
Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, DE 04318, Germany; Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State 9301, South Africa. Electronic address: dana.kuehnel@ufz.de
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