Plastics in a circular economy: Mitigating the ambiguity of widely-used terms from stakeholders consultation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2022.04.011
• Publication Date: 2022-04-27T18:50:15Z
• Authors: Sophie Aubin; Johnny Beaugrand; Marie Berteloot; Rachel Boutrou; Patrice Buche; Nathalie Gontard; Valérie Guillard
• Keywords: Bioplastic; Consolidation; Circular Economy

This study aims to examine, through stakeholders consultation, the widely used definitions of four terms related plastics sustainability: ‘bio-based plastics', ‘bioplastics’, ‘biodegradable plastics’ and ‘plastics recycling’ mitigate their potential ambiguity for diverse scientific communities sectors activity. For three ‘biodegradable’ ‘recycling’, consolidated were elaborated based on feedback online survey analysis pro con arguments given by face-to-face interviews with 18 experts followed an 122 stakeholders. Acceptance was higher than official ones increase acceptance from 43% 81% bio-based plastics, 47% 61% biodegradable 28% 60% recycling. The ‘recycling’ remain ambiguous even after consolidation definition. highlights that more discussions are necessary achieve a consensual fair definition such complex properties mechanisms. In term ‘Bioplastics’ prefix ‘bio’, referring either origin resources or end life material, remains difficult understand we prefer advise against its use, especially non-expert people (e.g. consumers public at large), in favour use plastics’. issue this is help consolidate wider efforts develop new strategies replacing oil-based improving end-of-life options.