Integration of the Microplastics Value Chain With Global Sustainability Goals

Microplastics (MPs) are no longer only a waste-management issue. They have taken on a new dimension, beginning with production processes and continuing with their fate and consequences in the environment and have been shaped by public health. This study examined the interaction between the different stages of the MP value chain (production, distribution, consumption, waste and wastewater management, environment, and public health) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within a comprehensive and quantitative framework. Within this context, the expert opinion-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), involving 12 experts, and bibliometric findings obtained from the Scopus database were integrated. The bibliometric analysis included 17,518 publications published between 2020 and 2025. The AHP results showed that Climate Action (SDG-13) and Life Below Water (SDG-14) were absolutely dominant throughout the MP value chain, with weighted values of 0.343 and 0.348, respectively. In the production phase, Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG-12) was at a strategically focal point with a weighted value of 0.149. Bibliometric findings confirmed a 597.7% increase in the annual number of publications between 2020 and 2025. Based on the results of the bibliometric analyses, the literature focused largely on the effects of MPs on human health-Good Health and Well-Being (SDG-3 = 29.03%). This reflects an important science-policy gap in that research has focused mostly on possible ecological hazards arising from MPs, whereas policymakers have addressed structural drivers of pollution at source and control of the process. The results also showed that MP pollution must be addressed not only through "end-of-pipe" approaches but also through value chain-focused strategies, such as ecodesign and the circular economy. In this regard, the present study offers a comprehensive, data-driven, and applicable framework of decision support for MP management.