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Integrated and Consolidated Review of Plastic Waste Management and Bio-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Challenges and Opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Zvanaka S. Mazhandu

    (Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Edison Muzenda

    (Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
    Department of Chemical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag 16, Palapye 00000, Botswana)

  • Tirivaviri A. Mamvura

    (Department of Chemical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag 16, Palapye 00000, Botswana)

  • Mohamed Belaid

    (Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Trust Nhubu

    (Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

Abstract

Cumulative plastic production worldwide skyrocketed from about 2 million tonnes in 1950 to 8.3 billion tonnes in 2015, with 6.3 billion tonnes (76%) ending up as waste. Of that waste, 79% is either in landfills or the environment. The purpose of the review is to establish the current global status quo in the plastics industry and assess the sustainability of some bio-based biodegradable plastics. This integrative and consolidated review thus builds on previous studies that have focused either on one or a few of the aspects considered in this paper. Three broad items to strongly consider are: Biodegradable plastics and other alternatives are not always environmentally superior to fossil-based plastics; less investment has been made in plastic waste management than in plastics production; and there is no single solution to plastic waste management. Some strategies to push for include: increasing recycling rates, reclaiming plastic waste from the environment, and bans or using alternatives, which can lessen the negative impacts of fossil-based plastics. However, each one has its own challenges, and country-specific scientific evidence is necessary to justify any suggested solutions. In conclusion, governments from all countries and stakeholders should work to strengthen waste management infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries while extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit refund schemes (DPRs) are important add-ons to consider in plastic waste management, as they have been found to be effective in Australia, France, Germany, and Ecuador.

Suggested Citation

  • Zvanaka S. Mazhandu & Edison Muzenda & Tirivaviri A. Mamvura & Mohamed Belaid & Trust Nhubu, 2020. "Integrated and Consolidated Review of Plastic Waste Management and Bio-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Challenges and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-57, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8360-:d:426420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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