Plastic cycle (PLASTCYC) ; Optimalisering av ressurseffektivitet mens minimering av resirkulering av farlige kjemikalier i en sirkulær økonomi

Despite the exponential growth of plastic production and consumption, the quantity of plastic waste being processed in a sound manner grows linearly. Today, recycling of plastic waste is considered as the most practical solution to maintain these materials in the closed loop of Circular Economy. However, the presence of hazardous chemicals as additives and/or contaminants prevents the recycling of a large quantity of plastics mainly due to the concerns regarding the unintended recycling of hazardous chemicals and the quality of recycled plastics. The mismanagement of plastic waste leads to the leakage of these materials to the marine environment. The solutions to this global problem must first address the management of plastic waste regionally, which requires thorough understanding of the quantity and quality of in-use plastics and their flows to the waste stream. The overarching goal of this project is to provide solutions to reduce plastics in the global environment. Towards this, PLASTCYC will provide a qualitative and quantitative analysis of plastic consumption and flows to the waste stream in Norway. By incorporating the knowledge and expertise of the waste stakeholders in Norway to the scientific findings, recommendation for best practices to optimize recycling while minimizing the recycling of hazardous chemicals will be provided. PLASTCYC is directly addressing SDG12 on sustainable production and consumption by providing solutions that will directly lead to reduction of our environmental footprint.