An Ambitious Plan to Manage Non-Packaging Plastics in European Waste Streams
![Image for: An Ambitious Plan to Manage Non-Packaging Plastics in European Waste Streams](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100714/diseno_sin_titulo.png)
Plastic is used in countless processes and products throughout Europe and the world. They have opened the door to many new technologies that have saved and improved lives the world over. However, a side effect of the widespread use of plastic is the entrance of harmful chemicals and large amounts of solid waste into the environment. Researchers are still finding new ways plastic waste buildup is affecting public health, but one thing is clear: a new plan to manage plastics and how they are disposed of is needed.
Where to begin? One subset of plastics that needs a cleanup plan is non-packaging plastic. These materials include plastics used for building materials, furniture, and consumer electronics. Most of the focus historically has been on packaging plastic, things like single-use disposable water bottles, and shipping supplies. But non-packaging plastics can pose a threat, too, and ambitious new waste management strategies are needed.
Managing Non-Packaging Plastic Waste
Non-packaging plastics usually have a longer shelf life than their packaging plastics counterparts. The service life of packaging plastics might be weeks or months, but the plastic parts made for cars and construction are made to last much longer. This means that, while non-packaging plastic materials are thrown away at a much lower rate, comprising about 40% of plastic waste every year in Europe, the overall stock of these parts and materials is always increasing as more of these products are being made.
There are several challenges that are currently being tackled by European experts in waste management. One is that data on non-packaging plastics waste flows is scarce due to incomplete monitoring of imported non-packaging plastics. Another challenge is recycling because of mixed materials in complex products, as well as hazardous additives in the products.
European leaders and sustainability experts are calling for better transparency in non-packaging plastics data, which would foster more robust policies and help manage waste flows.
- Share with Twitter
- Share with Facebook
- Share with LinkedIn
- Share with WhatsApp
- Share with e-mail
Might be interested in
![Image for: Digitalization can support shifting to more sustainable transport in Europe](https://www.tradebe.com/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Sustainable-transport.jpg)
Digitalization can support shifting to more sustainable transport in Europe
![Image for: How to have a festive and eco-friendly Christmas this year](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100723/christmas.png)
How to have a festive and eco-friendly Christmas this year
![Image for: Sustainable packaging](https://www.tradebe.com/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Sustainable-Packaging.jpg)
Sustainable packaging
![Image for: Ecotourism: What It Is and Why It Matters](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100716/ecoturism.png)
Ecotourism: What It Is and Why It Matters
![Image for: Four benefits of a circular economy](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100720/circular-economy.png)
Four benefits of a circular economy
![Image for: Better links between waste management, circular economy and climate change mitigation measures can boost greenhouse gas emission reductions](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/19095849/shutterstock_2341042223.jpg)
Better links between waste management, circular economy and climate change mitigation measures can boost greenhouse gas emission reductions
![Image for: Ways the world can reduce emissions from global transport systems](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100721/1.png)
Ways the world can reduce emissions from global transport systems
![Image for: How E-waste and electronics recycling helps environmental conservation](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100724/e-waste.png)
How E-waste and electronics recycling helps environmental conservation
![Image for: Ways Your Smart Home Can Save Energy](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100717/smart_homes_0.png)
Ways Your Smart Home Can Save Energy
![Image for: Sustainable manufacturing](https://www.tradebe.com/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Sustainable-manufacturing_1.jpg)
Sustainable manufacturing
![Image for: Why Ecotourism Matters in the Fight Against Climate Change](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100717/ecotourism.png)
Why Ecotourism Matters in the Fight Against Climate Change
![Image for: Sustainable Tourism: How to Travel with Minimal Environmental Impact](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100718/sustainable_tourism.png)
Sustainable Tourism: How to Travel with Minimal Environmental Impact
![Image for: How Sustainability Technology is Changing the Fashion Industry for the Better](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/06100713/diseno_sin_titulo_1_0.png)
How Sustainability Technology is Changing the Fashion Industry for the Better
![Image for: Empowering a Greener Future: The Role of Sustainable Finance in Transforming Society and the Environment](https://d3d87ylsohyye9.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/26095632/shutterstock_2350181055.jpg)
Empowering a Greener Future: The Role of Sustainable Finance in Transforming Society and the Environment