Overview on the Key Figures with Impact on the Circular Economy Through the Life Cycle of Plastics

Abstract

Intended to draw a frame of the impact of plastics usage and the role of the circular economy, this paper relied on specific literature, data from different studies, case studies, reports and databases existing on the research area. Being produced at low costs and used in a wide range of fields, plastics has been confirmed as one of the most impactful inventions for human. Recently, during the pandemic years, plastics has gotten multiple usages, such as keeping a hygienic sanitary environment facing the critical situations, with a highly increased role in the fight against the SARS-COVID-19 crisis. It is also well known that plastics presents risks arising from its production flow, linked to a huge degree of massive pollution with high impact on the environment. Plastic waste exposed to the environment generated problems and it is of huge concern for all forms of life. As plastics products are present all around the world, there is an increasing statement to one-use plastics in the environment. Thus, it is urge to take actions for managing this situation as appropriate, to protect the environment and reduce the consumption of plastics, which can be achieved by developing and sustain the circular economy, as a new research field to explore. Through this paper we intended to emphasize the importance that, both theoretical contribution and practical measures, have on the production, the use and recycling of plastics and on the circular economy.