All Environment Publications

Microplastics threaten marine ecosystems, both in the water column and settled in sediment. This study suggests new ways to include these impacts in product life-cycle assessments, accounting for particle type, size, and shape, and applies the approach in a textile production case study.

Multilayer plastic films, used in packaging, are hard to recycle. This study compares six recycling options. The most effective targets each plastic layer with a different solvent. This method reduces climate impacts by about 40% versus landfill, though its gains drop as material quality declines.

Current recyclability standards treat materials as either recyclable or not. This study redefines recyclability as a measure of how well materials can be repeatedly re-processed, considering quality, economics, and social factors. This definition supports the transition to a circular economy.

Communication on Accelerating Europe’s transition to a circular economy: boosting the circularity of plastics

Microplastics threaten marine ecosystems. This study assessed the bacterial communities attached to microplastic pollution around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It finds that marine bacteria can efficiently degrade and use microplastics for energy – relevant for plastic waste management.

Microplastics are affecting pesticide breakdown, reducing soil pH and reducing bacteria biodiversity in some soils. This poses ecological risks and requires policies to prevent and control farmland pollution.

This paper explores a plastics sustainability challenge, suggests novel solutions and opportunities to capture value in business transition. It considers biodegradable plastics, an orthopaedics library for product re-use, a plastics ‘value map’ for market regulation and manufacturing efficiency.

Plastic seed trays used to grow seedlings in plant nurseries are a harmful agrifood waste product. This study trialled new seed trays that align with circular economy principles. These alternatives had less environmental impact than traditional trays.

Plastic industry producers can be held accountable through policies on extending producer responsibility for treating and managing waste. This research examines the effectiveness of policy frameworks that predict future plastic waste, and highlights the need for an EU-wide approach.