articleCommunications Earth & EnvironmentApr 10, 2025GOLD OA

Complexities of the global plastics supply chain revealed in a trade-linked material flow analysis

State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control · Tsinghua University

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Abstract

Abstract Plastic has become an integral part of our lives. Addressing the global environmental concerns of plastics requires a comprehensive analysis along the whole supply chain. Here, we provide a global trade-linked material flow analysis of plastics for the year 2022. Globally, 436.66 million tonnes (Mt) of plastics were traded in 2022, with final products alone accounting for 111 Mt. Our findings suggest that plastics are subject to geographical concentration, with feedstocks concentrated in oil-resource rich countries and processing in countries with large manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, there is a significant shift in waste disposal: incineration is emerging as a prominent waste disposal method…

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