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Plastics and the environment: challenges, impacts, and pathways to sustainability
Rinku Rana1, Abhilasha Mishra1, Rekha Goswami2
1Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India.
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management
|December 18, 2025
Summary
This review examines the full life cycle of plastics, from production to waste, highlighting environmental impacts. It explores strategies like recycling and biodegradable polymers for a circular plastic economy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Plastics offer versatility and low cost but pose significant environmental persistence challenges.
- Modern life relies heavily on plastics, leading to a global plastic waste crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the plastic life cycle, from polymerisation to end-of-life management.
- To critically assess the environmental impacts of plastic waste and explore sustainable solutions.
Main Methods:
- Review of plastic lifecycle stages: polymerisation, processing, manufacturing, and use.
- Analysis of environmental impacts associated with plastic waste.
- Examination of waste management and recycling challenges for thermoplastics and thermosets.
Main Results:
- Processing methods (injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding) impact material recovery and sustainability.
- Effective strategies include source reduction, reusable alternatives, advanced recycling (mechanical and chemical), and biodegradable polymers.
- Policy, public awareness, and AI-driven systems are crucial for a circular plastic economy.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable plastic management requires a combination of material science innovation, environmental responsibility, and socio-economic strategies.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to address the global plastic crisis effectively.
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