The plastics sector is an essential part of modern life... However, the other side of the coin reveals rapidly increasing waste, limited recycling capacity, and environmental risks. While the European Green Deal pushes the sector toward a circular economy with new packaging and waste regulations, every factor—from producer choices to consumer demands, supply chain vulnerabilities to government incentives—plays a critical role in the transition to a sustainable future.
The two sides of the coin...
Plastics production, encompassing synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer materials, showed a significant leap in the global market, especially in the 1950s. In 2022, the global plastic market reached a value of 535 billion Euros. While 8.3 billion tons of plastic were produced between 1950 and 2015, half of this value—approximately 4 billion tons—has been produced since the year 2000. Its high strength-to-weight ratio, high moldability, impermeability to liquids, resistance to physical and chemical degradation, low cost, ability to replace materials like glass and metal in a wide variety of areas, and the ability to enable new types of applications and services from food packaging to electronic products make plastic indispensable. A wide range of plastic polymers offers various properties. For example, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is tough, flexible, and transparent, and is therefore used in films, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) does not allow gases or liquids to pass through it and is therefore a popular material for beverage bottles. Polypropylene (PP) has a high melting point, which makes it attractive for hot liquids, and it is resistant to chemicals. Polystyrene (PS) can be rigid, brittle, transparent, or foamed, making it a versatile plastic for protective packaging and food containers. Thanks to its durability, lightness, and flexibility, plastic has become indispensable in the construction of vehicles, airplanes, trains, and ships. Today, no car can run without plastic. Despite all these advantages, its life cycle management, persistence, accumulation in the seas, greenhouse gas emissions from raw material extraction to disposal stages, and the risks it may pose to human health have raised environmental concerns. Over the last 20 years, the global annual amount of plastic waste has more than doubled, rising from 156 million tons in 2000 to 353 million tons in 2019. Nearly two-thirds of this originates from applications with a lifespan of less than five years: packaging 40 percent, consumer products 12 percent, and textiles 11 percent (OECD, 2022). 9 percent of global plastic waste has been recycled, 19 percent incinerated, and approximately 50 percent sent to sanitary landfills (OECD, 2022). The remaining 22 percent has been disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits, or leaked into the environment. In 2019, macroplastics accounted for 19.4 million tons of the 22 million tons of plastic released into the environment, and the biggest cause of this problem is inadequate collection and disposal.
Coping with waste: Circular economy
To deal with this plastic pollution problem, various initiatives aiming at the transition to a circular economy are being proposed worldwide, and the European Union (EU) is developing various strategies and targets for this transition. Such actions aim not only to reduce plastic waste but also to increase resource efficiency and contribute to climate goals. For example, the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy aims to use a total of 10 million tons of recycled plastic to produce new plastic products in the EU. The new Circular Economy Action Plan (EC, 2020) and the European Green Deal (EC, 2019) also represent the fundamental policies dedicated to transforming the EU plastic value chain from linear to circular and sustainable. The former contains ambitious targets aimed specifically at ensuring the economically sustainable recyclability of all plastics by 2030; the latter aims to achieve a broader, climate-neutral EU economy by 2050.
Use of PFAS in packaging will be restricted
With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation published on January 22, 2025, it is aimed that 65 percent of all packaging types by weight will be recycled as of December 31, 2025, and among the rates determined according to packaging type, 50 percent has been set for plastic, with rates increased for the year 2030. With the said Regulation, as of August 12, 2026, the use of PFAS in food-contact packaging will be restricted. As of January 1, 2028, implementing legislation will be adopted by the Commission, taking into account the standards developed by EU standardization organizations, which will determine design criteria for the recyclability of packaging and categories A, B, and C indicating recyclability performance. The regulation introduces a mandatory minimum recycled content from post-consumer plastic for plastic packaging at rates that vary according to type. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2030, or three years after the entry into force of the implementing legislation;
- Plastic packaging for contact-sensitive products made of PET (excluding single-use plastic bottles)- 30 percent
- Plastic packaging for contact-sensitive products other than PET (excluding single-use plastic bottles)- 10 percent
- Single-use plastic bottles- 30 percent
- Other plastic packaging- 35 percent have been determined.
In general, EU policies focus on designing plastic products to increase their recyclability and biodegradability, promoting sustainable consumption and usage practices, and improving the collection and sorting of plastic waste. Being aware of the effects of plastic pollution, especially in marine environments, is also vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UNEP, 2024).
EU waste shipment regulation
The Regulation, published on April 30, 2024, and entered into force on May 20, 2024, imposes restrictions on the export of waste generated in the EU to third countries. Under the scope of the Regulation, provisions not related to waste export will enter into force on May 20, 2026; provisions regarding plastic waste export restrictions will enter into force on November 21, 2026; and provisions regarding the export of other types of non-plastic waste will enter into force on May 21, 2027. The monitoring process to be applied under Article 45 has started to be implemented as of May 20, 2024, which is the effective date of the legislation.
MONITORING PROCESS: Under the scope of the Regulation, in accordance with Article 45, a monitoring process will be conducted regarding whether waste imported from the EU to OECD countries is processed in the destination country under environmentally sound conditions and whether said waste import does not negatively affect the waste collection capacity in the destination country. Regarding plastic waste specifically, it is necessary to demonstrate the existence of special applications and regular inspections for plastic waste shipments and plastic waste processing facilities in order to ensure that plastic waste and residues resulting from waste recovery (incineration and dumping ban) are processed under environmentally sound conditions, that imported plastic waste does not prevent the environmentally sound processing of plastic waste generated within the country, that the shipment of imported plastic waste to third countries is prevented, and that air, soil, water, and marine pollution are prevented. Special monitoring processes regarding plastic waste exports will be implemented by the Commission, and countries from which a significant amount of plastic waste is imported from the EU and which will be subject to the special monitoring process will be identified by May 21, 2026, while the provisions of the article will begin to be applied as of November 21, 2026. In this context, if the relevant OECD country does not provide satisfactory information that the waste is processed under environmentally sound conditions in the relevant country and that the imported waste does not negatively affect the collection and processing of plastic waste generated within the country, plastic waste shipments to the relevant country will be stopped.
AUDIT PROCESS: In accordance with Article 46, it is mandatory for the waste exporter in the EU to subject the facility in the destination country to an independent third-party audit regarding whether it processes the waste under environmentally sound conditions within the scope of the regulation. Third-party auditors must meet the conditions set out in the regulation and must be authorized or accredited by a national official body. The audit validity period is two years, and the facility that has passed the audit will be able to import waste from the EU by submitting the audit report.
PROCESSING UNDER ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND CONDITIONS: The condition of processing under environmentally sound conditions, referred to in the legislation, is generally defined in Article 59. In this context, it is stated that the shipment, processing, and post-processing residue management of waste must be under conditions suitable for human and environmental health, and that even if full compliance with relevant EU legislation is not sought for this, it must be equivalent to EU conditions.
Barriers to recycling toward a sustainable future
Producer preferences: One of the main factors motivating producers toward the transition to recycled and bioplastic materials is the ever-increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Previous studies highlight that recycled and bioplastics can provide cost advantages over raw plastics, especially in the context of volatile oil prices that directly affect the cost of raw materials. Government incentives and regulations such as tax breaks and subsidies for the use of sustainable materials further encourage producers to adopt these alternatives. Consumers' increasing preference for eco-friendly products forces producers to adjust their practices accordingly. The European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive imposes restrictions on certain plastic products and encourages the use of biodegradable and compostable materials. Producers are increasingly becoming aware of supply chain vulnerabilities associated with dependence on limited and geopolitically sensitive resources such as petroleum-based raw plastics. Fluctuations in oil prices and geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains and lead to cost uncertainties. Understanding these motivations provides critical information to guide policy development, industry practices, and research efforts aimed at encouraging sustainable and responsible material selection in production processes.
Consumer knowledge: Bio-based plastics are derived from renewable plant-based or organic materials. In contrast, biodegradable plastics refer to their ability to decompose naturally within a certain time frame and leave no harmful residues. Conventional plastic production requires significant energy input and is heavily dependent on dwindling oil resources. However, bioplastic production can operate with remarkable energy efficiency, reducing our dependence on oil reserves. Furthermore, the production process generates minimal carbon emissions and can even achieve carbon neutrality through CO2 absorption by biomass components. Additionally, the use of natural ingredients reduces dependence on hazardous substances that were previously an integral part of traditional plastic production. In 2017, global bioplastic consumption reached 1.06 million tons, and the market value was 3.4 billion US dollars. Despite these figures, bioplastics accounted for less than 1 percent of total plastic packaging sales worldwide. The growth forecast for bioplastic packaging is significantly higher compared to petroleum-based plastics, with Europe leading the market, accounting for one-third of global consumption. Although many people have positive perceptions of bioplastics and link them to their perceived environmental benefits, there are still widespread concerns and negative attitudes among the public. A study conducted in Europe highlighted that despite participants' awareness of environmental issues related to plastic and their positive attitudes toward bioplastics, significant challenges such as limited availability and insufficient information continue to hinder widespread adoption in the region. Moreover, a major challenge is the existence of misunderstandings where some people, despite the nuances, assume that all bioplastics are universally biodegradable or inherently more sustainable than traditional plastics. Concerns have arisen regarding the potential competition between bioplastics and food production, especially when it comes to bioplastics derived from food products, which raises ethical questions regarding resource allocation and food security. Previous research shows that bioplastics do not degrade easily in natural environments and create challenges, especially in aquatic environments. While complete degradation has not yet been definitively achieved, successful experiments resulting in almost complete degradation at the sand-water interface have been conducted. Therefore, ongoing research should continuously examine the dynamics of societal attitudes toward bioplastics, thereby informing and shaping sustainable consumption practices.
Willingness to pay: Bioplastics derived from renewable materials such as corn or sugarcane are perceived as more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF), a notable bio-based plastic, is expected to be introduced to consumers in the coming years. For example, PEF has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics, providing a remarkable 43-56 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. In a study conducted in 2021, 65 percent of participants showed a willingness to pay more for bio-based plastic bottles compared to traditional bottles. The study showed that participants were willing to pay an average of 1.08 GBP for a bio-based plastic bottle, which represents an 8 percent increase compared to the 1 GBP cost of a water bottle made from traditional plastic. Interestingly, participants in the study reported a lower level of importance for the recycling of bio-based plastic compared to other factors. Research has been conducted showing that results vary depending on the demographic characteristics of the participants. The study observed that the youngest participants exhibited a lower willingness to pay for plastic water bottles compared to the oldest participants. Additionally, the research revealed that men's willingness to pay for plastic bottles was on average €0.115 higher than women's. Effectively communicating the environmental characteristics of these materials is vital in influencing consumers' willingness to pay more.
References
- Amadei, A.; Rigamonti, L; Tosches, D; Sala, S. Combining MFA and LCA models to unveil the EU plastic value chain impacts, ScienceDirect, 2025
- Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, EU Green Deal, EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Legislation, https://ticaret.gov.tr/dis-iliskiler/yesil-mutabakat/ab-dongusel-ve-surdurulebilir-sanayi-politikalari/ab-ambalaj-ve-ambalaj-atigi-mevzuati
- D’Amato, A; Nicolli, F; Paleari, S; Schluep, M; Specker, A.; Tuscano, J.; Piscitello, C.;Wilts, H.; The fate of EU plastic Waste, European Environment Agency, 2023, https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-ce/products/etc-ce-report-2023-2-the-fate-of-eu-plastic-waste
- Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, EU Green Deal, EU Waste Shipment Legislation, https://ticaret.gov.tr/dis-iliskiler/yesil-mutabakat/ab-dongusel-ve-surdurulebilir-sanayi-politikalari/ab-atik-sevkiyati-mevzuati
- Chapman, A.; Kumar, K.;Takako, S; Yoshimoto, M.; Kishimoto, K.; Overcoming barriers to proactive plastic recycling toward a sustainable future, ScienceDirect ,2024
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.