Plastic Waste Generation Research Articles

Zero Plastic Drive: A Comprehensive Review on Unveiling Innovative Sustainable Solutions for a Circular Plastics Economy

Living in a society where plastic has become a necessity, the over-reliance on these materials is quite disturbing as they have social and economic effects, especially in waste disposal and resource management. Such issues have introduced the circular plastics economy (CPE), which aims to eliminate plastic waste by focusing on reducing, recycling, and reusing (3R) and designing biodegradable plastic products. Owing to these facts, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to analyze the existing literature on circular economy principles and plastic waste management systems in terms of 3R initiatives. Also, this study showcases the CPE by investigating how it is possible to manage plastic within a circular economy instead of a linear system. Additionally, system dynamics modeling (SDM) was applied to examine the inter-relationships between key elements such as plastic production, waste generation, recycling rates, and regulatory actions, along with the cognizance phase of waste diversion and advanced sorting technology to minimize landfill dependency and environmental pollution initiatives, including producer responsibility programs and zero-landfill targets. This study accumulated that zero waste strategies, such as plastic circularity, national waste management, and high-quality recycling, have achieved recycling rates ranging from 30% to 81% across various countries, significantly reducing plastic waste and enhancing resource efficiency. However, the added strategies in countries that are related to policy-driven initiatives can prospectively be useful for increasing recycling capacity to eliminate plastic waste in landfills, promoting a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices. This study also involved the critical stakeholders of the CPE who will make the utilization of plastic waste a reality. Ultimately, this research contributes to the fast-growing knowledge base on plastic waste management by presenting an interdisciplinary framework based on model synthesis and mathematical modeling, which is crucial for decision-makers, industries, and researchers.

Seasonal Abundance and Types of Microplastics in Surface Waters of River Sabaki Estuary, Kenya

Increased demand for plastics has resulted in the generation of plastic waste, which poses a threat to the environment in general, and ultimately the marine environment. Estuaries and deltas are the main filters of marine ecosystem pollutants from inland sources. There have been limited studies on temporal variations in microplastic (MP) pollutants in tropical estuaries of Africa. In 2022, a twelve-month sampling survey study was conducted at Sabaki river estuary, in Kenya. A bucket was used to collect water samples, that were sieved through a 225μm sieve. A stereo microscope was used to identify microplastics and their polymer confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. Data analysis on seasonal difference in abundance of microplastics in surface waters was performed using Minitab software at α ≤ 0.05. The results indicated that the April-June (A-J) long rains season had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of MPs due to rainfall runoff, compared to other seasons, namely January –March (J-M), July-October (J-O) and November –December (N-D). The (J-M), (J-O) and (N-D) seasons had similar levels of MPs, which were lower compared to those observed during (A-J) long rains season by 44.3%, 54% and 25% respectively, compared to the highest concentration of 264 MPs m-3 observed during the A-J season. Fragments type of MPs were higher during the wet season, while fiber type of MPs dominated during the dry season. Film and form type of MPs were least abundant. Seasons significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced distribution of the different sizes of MPs. Small and medium sized category of MPs occurred and dominated during the dry season, while larger particles dominated during the wet season. Seven (7) differently colored MPs were observed during the study. White colored MPs were most prevalent (33%), followed by blue (23%), black (17%), brown (12%), yellow (5%), red (5%), and green (4%). Five types of plastic polymers were found in surface waters of river Sabaki estuary, namely polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

Research on Education for Sustainable Development with Design-Based Research by Employing Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Issue of Single-Use Plastic Waste in Taiwan

The social impacts of prevailing circular economy (CE) strategies remain under-researched despite the considerable attention that CE has received from scholars and in industry. Existing CE indicators primarily focus on business models from a decision-making standpoint, overlooking consumer engagement and alternative solutions. Boasting one of the highest recycling rates globally, Taiwan faces challenges in optimizing collected resources. This study delves into recycling plastic waste by integrating consumer behavior within CE strategies, leveraging open-source resources and additive manufacturing technologies to align with the United Nations Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). These resources facilitate the transformation of plastic waste into reusable materials. Employing an exploratory and participatory action research approach, this research uses the Precious Plastic Universe (PPU) database to identify potential resources from post-consumer polymer waste. Subsequently, it explores tools for converting collected waste into usable polymers. Lastly, the study investigates integrating collected polymer waste into student design projects to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills for sustainable development, employing additive manufacturing tools at the National Taiwan Normal University Department of Design. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several recurring patterns, including the role of consumer behavior in plastic waste generation, the development of creativity and problem-solving skills among students, and the challenges of working with recycled materials. These themes were observed in quantitative data (collected single-use polymers) and qualitative insights from student observations and interviews. Through thematic analysis, the study highlights key factors contributing to successful CE integration, providing a model for future educational and industrial applications of sustainable design.

Plastic Waste to Fuel or Biofuel

This project is concerned with the methods of changing plastic waste to fuel known as pyrolysis which is thermal degradation of materials in an atmosphere devoid of oxygen. This is accomplished by applying tremendous heat to the plastic causing degradation into smaller hydrocarbon products which include liquid fuel, gas and char residue among other things. The liquid fuel can be upgraded further to produce various useful hydrocarbons such as diesel and gasoline, and the gases may be used as a means of recovering energy. This project aims to show how plastic waste which is usually a problem can be turned into a useful source of fuel to cut down waste and improve energy practices. This project can be described as an important strategy in addressing two key problems of global significance: management of plastic waste and sustainable energy generation. With the increase of global plastic pollution and fossil fuels waning, there is an urgency in coming up with new strategies to resolve these environmental dilemmas. Such a solution includes the process of changing plastic waste into diesel fuel which not only reduces plastic waste but also enables the harnessing of an energy source.

The Properties of Bricks Made from Recycled HDPE

Plastic waste, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE), poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature. Recycling HDPE into building materials, such as bricks, offers a sustainable solution to mitigate these impacts. This study investigates the properties of bricks made from recycled HDPE, focusing on their compressive strength, water absorption, and durability. The results indicate that HDPE bricks exhibit superior mechanical properties, including higher compressive strength and lower water absorption compared to traditional clay bricks. These bricks are lightweight, cost-effective, and demonstrate excellent durability, making them a viable alternative for sustainable construction. The research highlights the potential of recycled HDPE bricks in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. The intensifying generation of plastic waste presents a significant environmental challenge worldwide. Plastic waste, due to its non-biodegradable nature, contributes to land and water pollution, requiring the exploration of sustainable waste management solutions. Recycling plastic waste into building materials, such as bricks, offers a potential solution to mitigate environmental impacts. This research aimed to investigate the integration of plastic waste into building materials through a comprehensive study using experimental testing, software analysis, and structural design. The ETAB analysis demonstrated that the HDPE model exhibited lower bending moments and axial loads compared to the concrete model, suggesting superior mechanical properties and load-carrying capacity. This research contributes to the understanding of the behaviour and performance of plastic bricks in structural applications, enabling the development of sustainable and efficient building designs that incorporate plastic waste materials. Key Words: Plastic Waste, Environmental Challenge, Non-Biodegradable, Sustainable Solutions, Experimental Study, Plastic Bricks, Alternative Building Materials, Methodology, Comparable Strength, Plastic Waste Crisis.

Time Series approach to map areas of Agricultural Plastic Waste generation

Abstract. The escalating presence of plastics in agriculture has raised concerns regarding Agricultural Plastic Waste (APW). Hitherto, a lack of comprehensive plasticulture data impedes effective waste management strategies, potentially resulting in plastic pollution and contributing to microplastic formation. APW locations and quantities are pivotal for territorial planning and the formulation of public policies on waste management and land use. Remote detection of agri-plastics has garnered increased consideration, particularly in mapping plastic-mulched farmlands (PMFs) dispersed in extensive regions. This study investigates whether the use of satellite image time series can map PMFs accurately. We assessed pixel-based classification using a 16-day composite time series of Sentinel-2 imagery (S2-16D) obtained from the Brazil Data Cube project. The Plastic-Mulched Landcover Index (PMLI) was joined into S2-16D bands because it is an index focused on PMF detection. Four classifiers (RF, MLP, L-TAE, and TCNN) were compared through agreed classification metrics. The most promising outcome showed an overall accuracy of 100% employing L-TAE but with visible noise in the map. The time series enhanced accuracy while minimizing background confusion, offering a viable solution for PMF detection. The PMF map presented herein represents an initial stride toward fostering circularity in plasticulture throughout South America.

Development of a deep learning-based object recognition system for pre-stage separation to improve the recycling rate of major general-purpose plastics

ABSTRACT The generation of plastic waste has been increasing annually, necessitating various recycling methods. Among these, material recycling with low carbon emissions should be prioritized. This study aims to enhance the material recycling rate by developing a separation system using deep learning-based object recognition. To improve labeling efficiency, image data were acquired for each material type, and the performance of different labeling methods was evaluated. The average precision (AP) values for the single-material learning model using hybrid labeling (manual + automatic) were 0.947 for PET, 0.951 for PP, 0.892 for PE, and 0.896 for PS, demonstrating superior performance compared to other methods. An integrated learning model was also developed for composite materials, achieving AP values of 0.972 for PET, 0.976 for PP, 0.963 for PE, and 0.961 for PS. These results demonstrate the model’s strong applicability for plastic waste recognition.

Assessment of Plastic Waste Generation and Environmental Leakage in Hai An Ward, Nghi Son Town, Thanh Hoa Province

The study estimates plastic waste generation and leakage to the environment and the sea in Hai An ward, Thanh Hoa province. The study uses a material flow analysis model, field samplings (include plastic waste sorting and weighing), and secondary data collection and analysis. The plastic waste generated is estimated to be 77.01 ton/year, of which the plastic waste from domestic sources and other sources, including agriculture and aquaculture (fishing), are 71.17 ton/year and 5.84 ton/year, respectively. Research results show the composition of plastic waste from domestic sources is diverse, with bottles being the highest (28.4%), followed by plastic bags (23.1%). The findings of the study also indicate that the plastic waste leakage to the environment is 9.63 ton/year, of which 6.4 tons are from the uncollected plastic waste and 3.23 tons are the plastic waste lost during the collection, transportation, and treatment process. The research also estimates that the plastic waste leakage to the sea accounts for about 7.24 ton/year, plastic waste retained on land is about 2.16 ton/year, and the plastic waste openly burnt is 0.23 ton/year.

Microplastic levels in the indoor air of buildings based on plastic waste recycling in Indonesia

Introduction: Microplastics are a new type of contamination in the environment caused by plastic fragmentation and degradation. The generation of plastic waste increases every year, therefore efforts are made to recycle it into building materials. It is unclear how building use resulting from recycling plastic waste affects the development of microplastics in the atmosphere. The purpose of this study is to determine the airborne concentrations of microplastics in buildings constructed from recycled plastic waste. Materials and methods: The study measured microplastic levels in the air for 30 days in a miniature building made from plastic waste. Samples taken during the dry season in Indonesia in 2023. Air sampling is carried out by passive method. Visual observation of the shape, and amount of microplastics using a microscope. Results: Microplastics are found in the air of building spaces made from recycled plastic waste with varying levels every day. The average level of microplasty in the air for 30 days was 30,8 particles/m2/day. Maximum microplastic rate of 63 particles/m2/day, and minimum rate of 18 particles/m2/ day. The average air temperature when sampling is 25,48 ºC, air humidity is 68,37 % and ultraviolet intensity is 860 mwatt/cm2. Conclusions: Microplastic levels in the air of building spaces made from recycled plastic waste that can not be identified can be identified whether they are still within safe limits or not. This is because there is no regulation in Indonesia even in the world that regulates the safe limit of microplastic levels in the environment.

Evaluating the mechanical and environmental impact of PEF plastic waste incorporated with graphene nano-platelets in concrete

There has been a significant surge in the yearly use of plastics, leading to a notable rise in plastic waste generation. Consequently, the recycling of plastic garbage has emerged as a prominent concern around the world. This research explores the feasibility of using polyethylene furanoate (PEF) plastic waste as a substitute for coarse aggregate (CA) in concrete. Graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) were added to the concrete mix in different quantities to improve its structural reliability. The research study used an experimental research design in conducting its investigation. PEF waste plastic was added in concrete in varying proportions of 0%, 5%, 15%, 20%, and 25% as a supplementary material to gravel, and GNPs were added in different percentages of 0%, 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.08%, and 0.1% by weight of cement. Mechanical tests were conducted, which includes compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (MoE), and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and the environmental assessment of concrete was done by assessing carbon in concrete and concrete’s eco efficiency (ESE). It was found that 5% addition of PEF as the substitute to CA and 0.1% of GNPs gives the optimum strength, enhancing CS, STS, and FS by 9.10%, 18.18%, and 4.45%, respectively. Response surface technique (RSM) models were created to provide mathematical equations for predicting the predicted outcomes. All models were optimized using a multi-objective optimization approach and then validated.

Comparative evaluation of the extracellular production of a polyethylene terephthalate degrading cutinase by Corynebacterium glutamicum and leaky Escherichia coli in batch and fed-batch processes

BackgroundWith a growing global population, the generation of plastic waste and the depletion of fossil resources are major concerns that need to be addressed by developing sustainable and efficient plastic recycling methods. Biocatalytic recycling is emerging as a promising ecological alternative to conventional processes, particularly in the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, cost-effective production of the involved biocatalyst is essential for the transition of enzymatic PET recycling to a widely used industrial technology. Extracellular enzyme production using established organisms such as Escherichia coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum offers a promising way to reduce downstream processing costs.ResultsIn this study, we compared extracellular recombinant protein production by classical secretion in C. glutamicum and by membrane leakage in E. coli. A superior extracellular release of the cutinase ICCGDAQI was observed with E. coli in batch and fed-batch processes on a litre-scale. This phenomenon in E. coli, in the absence of a signal peptide, might be associated with membrane-destabilizing catalytic properties of the expressed cutinase. Optimisations regarding induction, expression temperature and duration as well as carbon source significantly enhanced extracellular cutinase activity. In particular, in fed-batch cultivation of E. coli at 30 °C with lactose as carbon source and inducer, a remarkable extracellular activity (137 U mL−1) and cutinase titre (660 mg L−1) were achieved after 48 h. Literature values obtained with other secretory organisms, such as Bacillus subtilis or Komagataella phaffii were clearly outperformed. The extracellular ICCGDAQI produced showed high efficacy in the hydrolysis of PET textile fibres, either chromatographically purified or unpurified as culture supernatant. In less than 18 h, 10 g L−1 substrate was hydrolysed using supernatant containing 3 mg cutinase ICCGDAQI at 70 °C, pH 9 with terephthalic acid yields of up to 97.8%.ConclusionExtracellular production can reduce the cost of recombinant proteins by simplifying downstream processing. In the case of the PET-hydrolysing cutinase ICCGDAQI, it was even possible to avoid chromatographic purification and still achieve efficient PET hydrolysis. With such production approaches and their further optimisation, enzymatic recycling of PET can contribute to a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution to the industrial recycling of plastics in the future.

Evaluation of waste plastic and waste cooking oil as a potential alternative fuel in diesel engine

The generation of plastic waste and waste cooking oil is a serious environmental concern because of worldwide waste disposal issues. At the same time, increasing demand and contemporary geopolitics make fossil fuels a significant worldwide problem. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for alternate fuel for CI engines. To overcome these twin problems can be addressed by converting waste into liquid fuels. This research explores an intriguing area by mixing waste cooking oil biodiesel and waste plastic oil to create a mixture that remarkably seems like the physico-chemical properties of diesel fuel in a society that is looking for sustainable alternatives. So, in this investigation, a ternary fuel blend of Petro-diesel, waste cooking oil biodiesel (WCOB), and waste plastic oil (WPO) was used in the diesel engine. To enhance the properties of fuel, combustion, emission, and performance parameters of diesel engines, a ternary blend of B20P20D60 was employed in the CI engine as an alternative fuel. In the ternary fuel blends, WCOB, WPO, and diesel content were 20%, 20%, and 60%, respectively. The results were compared with conventional diesel fuel, showing that the ternary fuel blend B20P20D60 has an improved brake thermal efficiency of up to 1.71% at 80% loading and reduced emissions (HC, CO, NOx) compared to conventional diesel. Because of this, the ternary blends have significant potential for use in diesel engines.

Effect of County Government Strategies in the Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Plastic Waste in Lodwar Town, Turkana County Kenya

Plastic waste management has become a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries. Economic growth and population increase in the developing countries in recent years has caused an increase in utilization of natural resources that has led to unprecedented plastic waste generation. The uncontrolled plastic waste disposal has become a challenge in Africa and other developing countries due to insufficient or lack of human and financial capacities to remedy the situation. This study investigated the effect of county governments’ strategies in place in the collection, transportation and disposal of plastic waste in Lodwar town, turkana county Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. purposive sampling was used to select 345 respondents from Lodwar town and the county government employees including key informants from public health department at the county was adopted. Data were then analyzed for descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The study findings showed that majority (78.6%) of the residents disagreed that there is reselling of plastic materials to avoid generation of wastage. Further majority (38%) also disagreed that they are reusing the plastics for other purposes in their households. Additionally, majority (55.9%) still disagreed that the municipality has recycling company, which has assisted in plastic material recycling. However, on the other hand majority (71.6%) of the residents were not aware if there is a new technological recycling machine in the county. The study revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed that there are waste collectors and transporters in the town (mean= 1.95, standard deviation=0.99). Majority of the respondents disagreed that the municipality have recycling company which has assisted in plastic material recycling (Mean=1.51, standard deviation=0.89). Majority of the residents strongly agreed that handling plastic waste in Lodwar municipality is of great concern (Mean=4.59, standard deviation=0.84). The study concluded planning and coordination have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. There are no enough waste collectors and transporters in the town also Municipality has no clear waste management guideline/policy. Recycling methods have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. The study recommended that the municipality administration should come up with waste management guideline/policy that will ensure efficient and reliable wastage handling.

Plastics in the Indian economy: a comprehensive material flow analysis

AbstractPlastic is valued for its flexibility to be utilized in different applications, yet it poses a significant threat to our environment because of mismanaged plastic waste. India’s compound annual growth of plastic consumption has been around 7% for a decade. Despite this significant growth, there has not been a comprehensive study of Indian plastic flows since 2000. This work presents a 20-year update, detailing plastic production, consumption by all plastic types and sectors, and the overall material flow for 2018–19 to fill the gap in the data on post-consumer plastic flows. The analysis reveals a total plastic production of 19.3 Mt, 22% of which is Polyethylene as the most wildly used plastic. The total mass of plastic in products distributed in various applications is 23.9 Mt. Key sectors for plastic consumption are Packaging (30%), Textiles (17%), and Buildings and Construction (16%). Plastic waste generation is 15.5 Mt, primarily from packaging and textiles. Only 13% of this plastic gets recycled, 46% is mismanaged, and the rest incinerated or dumped. The study’s unique nationwide, mass-balanced, transparent approach offers a rigorous reference point for decision-makers. Yet, the lack of reliable data is the main barrier to design, implement, and monitor of policy interventions.

Implikasi Pengurangan Pemakaian Plastik Sekali Pakai Terhadap Volume Sampah di TPA Suwung

The waste problem in Indonesia is getting worse, including the problem of landfills in Bali getting full every day. The waste problem is not only a matter for the government, but also for the community. The use of single-use plastics is an important thing that must be considered to find the best solution. This research aims to find out the legal policies that can help overcome the waste problem in Indonesia in general and Bali in particular. Based on this, this research will discuss how the impact of reducing the use of single-use plastics on the environment, society and its relation to storage in Suwung landfill and how the government's efforts as a policy maker in overcoming the problem of single-use plastic waste in Suwung landfill. The research method used is an empirical legal research method that uses a fact-based approach and analyzes legal concepts through social problems. The results obtained from this research are that the reduction in the use of single-use plastics provides a solution to the waste problem at Suwung Landfill so that less waste enters and if the reduction in the use of single-use plastics is applied more widely, plastic waste generation can be minimized, and regulations made by the government emphasize solutions from various aspects of the waste problem. However, many people still violate the regulations in the field.

Reducing Disposable Diaper Waste: Protocol for a Behavioural Science Workstream

Disposable diapers contribute to the generation of plastic waste globally, with more than 8 million tonnes of diapers ending up in landfills or incinerated each year. One strategy for reducing this waste while maintaining child and parent health and well-being is to increase reusable diaper use and reduce delays in toilet training. We outline a protocol for applying behavioural science to understand the factors influencing these behaviours and to generate intervention recommendations. The research will be conducted in two stages. Stage 1 involves semi-structured interviews and surveys, guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model, to explore factors influencing reusable diaper use and toilet training at 18–30 months. Data will be analyzed using quantitative (regression and ANOVA) and qualitative (deductive and inductive) methods. Stage 2 involves triangulating findings to identify key barriers and enablers. Intervention frameworks (Behaviour Change Wheel and BCT Taxonomy) will help identify potential behaviour change intervention strategies to target key barriers and enablers identified within COM-B domains. Interventions will be presented to multidisciplinary stakeholders and nominal group technique process will be used to agree on the most promising, feasible, and acceptable options for development and piloting. The findings will help generate recommendations for supporting UK government policy and practice change in this area.

Unaccounted plastic: Estimating waste generation from marine vessels in Bangladesh

Solid waste mismanagement induces the release of a significant amount of plastic waste into the ocean, particularly in countries with poor solid waste management systems, such as Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the total plastic input of Bangladesh by multiple sources is still unknown. Waste input from land-based sources within 50 km coastline of this country is documented. However, the quantity of plastic entering the oceans from multiple sources, such as marine vessels, is still unknown and not documented. Passengers and goods are transported via marine vessels operating in Bangladesh's Inland Water Transport sector, which has the potential to generate a substantial quantity of plastic debris that remains unaccounted for. This study represented the initial attempt to quantify the amount of debris produced by passenger-carrying marine vessels in riverine systems. The estimated total amount of plastic waste generated per day per route from marine vessels stands at 76.6 kg. The total weight of plastic waste from all pathways was 436.3 kg, resulting in an estimated annual plastic waste generation of 157,068 kg. This yearly input is 0.6 % of Bangladesh's total mismanaged waste input into the Bay of Bengal, which is 0.79 million metric tonnes. The lack of implementation of regulatory measures and ineffective waste management systems can be pointed out as the main reason behind these plastic inputs. This paper identifies the current gaps in waste management practices for riverine plastic waste and is a forerunner to creating a baseline for unified policy formulation for the government.

Assess the Status of Plastic Waste Generation in Phu Tho Province and Solutions

Assess the Status of Plastic Waste Generation in Phu Tho Province and Solutions

Potential Use of Irradiation Techniques in Life Cycle Assessment of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Waste

Plastic waste generation makes the second largest contribution of 18.6% to the total generation of municipal solid waste. Plastic waste often becomes a problem in the environment because it does not decompose easily. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one type of plastic waste. This paper aims to provide a general review of the potential for using nuclear energy in the form of irradiation techniques in assessing the life cycle of PET plastic waste. The research method used is a literature study based on several related studies. The life cycle assessment method can be used to analyze potential uses and their impacts. Life cycle assessment consists of the stages of determining objectives and scope, life cycle inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. A SWOT analysis of the PET sorting program from generation sources is needed as a complement to the life cycle assessment analysis. The potential for PET irradiation techniques is in two ways, namely direct and indirect. The first way, is PET plastic waste is exposed to a certain dose of radiation directly to degrade the material properties of PET plastic waste. The second way, PET plastic waste is substituted into other products, and then a certain dose of radiation is given. At the stage of determining life cycle goals, for example, measuring the impact of irradiation techniques on the reuse or recycling of PET plastic waste. The scope is limited to “gate to gate”, from receiving PET plastic to PET irradiation. The functional unit as a basic unit can be used based on 1 kg of PET plastic. The use of nuclear power through irradiation techniques has the potential to be used in processing PET plastic. Keywords: irradiation, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), life cycle assessment

The Plastic-Reduction Behavior of Chinese Residents: Survey, Model, and Impact Factors

The persistent generation of plastic waste represents a critical environmental challenge. Despite the implementation of various management policies spanning from usage to disposal that are aimed at incentivizing plastic reduction, the accumulation of plastic debris continues to pose a significant threat to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Moreover, this environmental issue adversely impacts economic development and human health. This study seeks to analyze the influencing factors of plastic-reduction behavior at the individual level. Through a diverse sample of 869 participants across 29 provincial-level administrative regions, this research utilizes structural equation modeling to elucidate the intricate factors influencing plastic-reduction behaviors. This study examines the factors influencing plastic-reduction behavior through the frameworks of economic savings and spiritual satisfaction, focusing on two specific behavioral intentions: economically driven behavior and spiritually driven persuasive behavior. Results show that the primary motivator for plastic reduction is the decrease in individual expenses. Environmental values and policy regulations have become important influencing factors, which also promote behaviors regarding plastic reduction through economic savings. The study distinguishes between the impacts of environmental knowledge and skills, highlighting the necessity of practical skills for effective behavior change. Moreover, the study reveals the pivotal role of local attachment in encouraging plastic-reduction actions. The urban natural environment, particularly when characterized by accessible and well-maintained features, such as lakes and rivers, can foster residents’ appreciation for the environment, thereby motivating them to engage in plastic-reduction actions to attain personal spiritual satisfaction.