To commemorate World Environment Day 2023, the Secretary-General of the United Nations reiterated to the world the critical importance of ending plastic pollution to the health of the planet and humanity. Of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced each year, one-third will be used only once, while 43% will end up in the environment as mismanaged waste. Even though not all plastic waste will enter the official waste stream, its impacts are felt though the contamination of soil and water with macro, micro, and nano-plastics, leading to reduced soil fertility and the bioaccumulation of plastic particles in plants, animals, and humans.
To that end, this project encompasses the examination of plastics and packaging through the lens of the Resource Nexus: focusing on "materials" and "waste", while also considering energy and climate (production and recycling are energy intensive, but energy consumption is lower than that of other materials such as aluminum). Practices resulting in "Less energy recycling" include the burning of plastics, CO2 emissions, and the pollution of water and soil (with macro, micro, and nano-plastic particles).
Moreover, the project shall assess the effectiveness of promoting recycled materials and the circular use of plastics and packaging, as well as examinating relevant the UN treaty and its role in eradicating plastic pollution. In particular, the research team shall investigate sustainable technologies and legal measures by summarising the laws, regulations, and cases relating to the obligation of recycled material use in the three selected countries. The project's goal is to advocated for the use, reuse, and reduction of plastics and packaging through a Resource Nexus approach to sustainability innovation, while supporting the elimination of plastic pollution.
This project has been formulated in response to request by the government of the Republic of Korea and is financed by Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco).
