Better control over the cross-border movement of scrap plastic is critical in addressing pollution issues, including marine plastic litter, says a report published by GRID-Arendal in 2019[1]GRID-Arendal (2019). Controlling Transboundary Trade in Plastic Waste. GRID-Arendal Policy Brief..
The potential for growth in the global plastics recycling industry is enormous. The sector, which has significant economic, social, and environmental impacts, needs to be better monitored on local and global levels. Improved data and knowledge about transboundary scrap plastic trade and the impacts of the recycling sector will be essential for informed decision making. There’s need for further studies that identify opportunities for streamlining, monitoring, and enforcement at a global level. Researchers should seek out opportunities in plastic value chains to improve the industry’s environmental performance and reduce marine plastic litter.
Photo credit: GRID-Arendal / Tina Schoolmeester