Plastic and its consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sousa, de; Bastos, Fabiula Danielli

doi:10.1007/s11356-021-15425-w

Cited by 53 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 55 publications

(102 reference statements)

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“…As a result, the global packaging market value will increase from USD 917 billion in 2019 to USD 1.05 trillion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 2,08% [3]. The packaging sector represents about 40% of the worldwide consumption of plastic material (368 million tons in 2019) [31], from which 60% represents food packaging [32].…”

Section: Consumer Behaviormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Prior to the pandemic, much effort was placed into avoiding plastic use; suddenly, during the COVID-19 era, plastic was considered a protector for saving lives. Plastic has wide applications as raw materials in the production of personal protective equipment (e.g., masks and gloves) and medical supplies (e.g., vaccination residues and confirmatory COVID-19 testing) [6,31]. In the past, reusable bags were encouraged for reducing plastic waste.…”

Section: Plastic and Its Increased Usementioning

confidence: 99%

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Nanocarriers for Sustainable Active Packaging: An Overview during and Post COVID-19

Pascuta

Vodnar

2022

Coatings

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Lockdown has been installed due to the fast spread of COVID-19, and several challenges have occurred. Active packaging was considered a sustainable option for mitigating risks to food systems during COVID-19. Biopolymeric-based active packaging incorporating the release of active compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity represents an innovative solution for increasing shelf life and maintaining food quality during transportation from producers to consumers. However, food packaging requires certain physical, chemical, and mechanical performances, which biopolymers such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids have not satisfied. In addition, active compounds have low stability and can easily burst when added directly into biopolymeric materials. Due to these drawbacks, encapsulation into lipid-based, polymeric-based, and nanoclay-based nanocarriers has currently captured increased interest. Nanocarriers can protect and control the release of active compounds and can enhance the performance of biopolymeric matrices. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview regarding the benefits of released active compound-loaded nanocarriers in developing sustainable biopolymeric-based active packaging with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Nanocarriers improve physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the biopolymeric matrix and increase the bioactivity of released active compounds. Furthermore, challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and a brief post-COVID-19 scenario were also mentioned.

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Section: Consumer Behaviormentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Plastic and Its Increased Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Nanocarriers for Sustainable Active Packaging: An Overview during and Post COVID-19

Pascuta

Vodnar

2022

Coatings

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“…This issue has been exacerbated by single-use plastics and an increase in the production of personal protection equipment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic [ 6 ]. Plastic is the predominant type of human waste found in freshwater reservoirs, accounting for 57% of the total debris by weight [ 7 ]. Discarded plastics subjected to natural degradation turn into secondary microplastics, an emerging contaminant category of concern that often appears in modern research due to its potential effects on the environment and wildlife, as well as its status as a vector for adjunct pollutive particles such as heavy metals and hormone disruptors [ 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics: An Evaluation of the Systematic Transition to a New Generation of Bioplastics

et al. 2022

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Plastics have become an essential part of the modern world thanks to their appealing physical and chemical properties as well as their low production cost. The most common type of polymers used for plastic account for 90% of the total production and are made from petroleum-based nonrenewable resources. Concerns over the sustainability of the current production model and the environmental implications of traditional plastics have fueled the demand for greener formulations and alternatives. In the last decade, new plastics manufactured from renewable sources and biological processes have emerged from research and have been established as a commercially viable solution with less adverse effects. Nevertheless, economic and legislative challenges for biobased plastics hinder their widespread implementation. This review summarizes the history of plastics over the last century, including the most relevant bioplastics and production methods, the environmental impact and mitigation of the adverse effects of conventional and emerging plastics, and the regulatory landscape that renewable and recyclable bioplastics face to reach a sustainable future.

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“…Despite its importance for the safety of health professionals and citizens, the increase in the amount of plastic waste generated has aggravating consequences for the environment. With the lack of awareness from a large part of the population and the inadequate final destination of post-consumer plastic, the increase in the volume of this waste is quite problematic in a country where there is such a low recycling rate [ 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Perspective of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Plastic Waste Management and Cooperatives of Waste Pickers in Brazil

2022

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Brazil is the fourth largest producer of plastic waste in the world. Among all the challenges the country had faced in the development of public policies for the banning of single-use plastics, the new coronavirus pandemic scenario determined the suspension of these laws indefinitely. In 2020, Brazil became the global epicenter of COVID-19. This scenario changed the habit and behavior of Brazilian consumers, who increased the consumption of plastics due to their importance in applications as protective material. The country also has social problems related to waste management that depend mainly on waste pickers. These workers need social visibility and protection not only to face the current health crisis but also to guarantee their income and survival. This work aims to discuss the increase in single-use plastics that are not intended for recycling and the respective environmental, economic, and social impacts for the country. We demonstrate the lack of data on waste management in Brazil and highlight the importance of the social inclusion of waste pickers for a circular economy. Especially after the change of scenario with the COVID-19 pandemic, the country must have adequate planning and improvements in waste management, recycling programs, and political intervention to raising awareness among the population and guaranteeing social rights for waste pickers.

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Plastic and its consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 53 publications

References 55 publications

Nanocarriers for Sustainable Active Packaging: An Overview during and Post COVID-19

Nanocarriers for Sustainable Active Packaging: An Overview during and Post COVID-19

Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics: An Evaluation of the Systematic Transition to a New Generation of Bioplastics

A Perspective of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Plastic Waste Management and Cooperatives of Waste Pickers in Brazil

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