A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2024-02, Vol.271, p.115942-115942, Article 115942
• Main Authors: Jiao, Haixin, Ali, Sameh S., Alsharbaty, Mohammed Husssein M., Elsamahy, Tamer, Abdelkarim, Esraa, Schagerl, Michael, Al-Tohamy, Rania, Sun, Jianzhong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioplastics; Circular economy; Environmental impacts; Life cycle assessment; Microplastics; Petroleum-based plastics
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115942

The global production and consumption of plastics, as well as their deposition in the environment, are experiencing exponential growth. In addition, mismanaged plastic waste (PW) losses into drainage channels are a growing source of microplastic (MP) pollution concern. However, the complete understanding of their environmental implications throughout their life cycle is yet to be fully understood. Determining the potential extent to which MPs contribute to overall ecotoxicity is possible through the monitoring of PW release and MP removal during remediation. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) have been extensively utilized in many comparative analyses, such as comparing petroleum-based plastics with biomass and single-use plastics with multi-use alternatives. These assessments typically yield unexpected or paradoxical results. Nevertheless, there is still a paucity of reliable data and tools for conducting LCAs on plastics. On the other hand, the release and impact of MP have so far not been considered in LCA studies. This is due to the absence of inventory-related data regarding MP releases and the characterization factors necessary to quantify the effects of MP. Therefore, this review paper conducts a comprehensive literature review in order to assess the current state of knowledge and data regarding the environmental impacts that occur throughout the life cycle of plastics, along with strategies for plastic management through LCA. •Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a standardized tool designed to aid decision-making.•LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle.•Waste management alternatives for bio-based and conventional plastics are distinct.•Several approaches have been used to mitigate microplastics (MPs).•Existing LCA studies do not address environmental or human health impacts of MPs.