Polymer-specific dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of seven polymers in Europe from 1950 to 2016

Information on the flows of specific polymers through anthroposphere forms basis any assessment environmental implications plastic. This work presents a dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis seven commodity thermoplastics: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), expanded (EPS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and terephthalate (PET). The examines nine product sectors 35 categories, including textiles, across Europe from 1950 to 2016. Total consumption these was 90.0 ± 4.8 kg/cap in in-use stock that year 47 for LDPE, 81 HDPE, PP, 21 PS, 56 EPS, 163 PVC, 16 PET. For EPS fraction contained is 51% 39% total production. Landfill major compartment where PET end up (48%–60%). Elimination—incineration destruction waste incineration plants—occurs 15%–19% PET, 10% PVC. Current European recycling rates vary 11% PS 33% precise separation different into very detailed categories will allow formulation future scenarios about interventions improve circularity provide assess polymer-specific releases environment.