用循环经济方法应对海洋塑料垃圾的挑战（英文版）_52页_3mb

报告摘要

Summary of Addressing the Challenge of Marine Plastic Litter Using Circular Economy Methods

Core Content

This working paper explores the challenge of marine plastic litter and proposes the use of circular economy (CE) methods to address it. It emphasizes the need for a holistic and systemic approach across the entire plastics value chain, from production to disposal, to reduce the environmental and economic impact of plastic waste. The paper outlines various stages of the product lifecycle and discusses CE practices that can be implemented at each stage to minimize plastic leakage into the oceans.

Main Points

Plastics are versatile and widely used: Plastics are inexpensive, light, easily shaped, and durable, and are used in numerous industrial sectors, including packaging, healthcare, construction, automotive, and textiles.
Plastics production is growing rapidly: In 2015, global production of primary plastics was 407 million metric tons (Mt), expected to double by 2030 and again by 2050. Bio-based plastics account for only about 1% of total production.
Plastic waste generation is significant: In 2015, 302 Mt of plastic waste was generated, representing 74% of primary plastics production. Of the total 6,300 Mt of plastic waste stock, only 9% was recycled, 12% incinerated, and 79% accumulated in landfills or the natural environment.
Marine plastic litter is a major environmental issue: It is estimated that 83 Mt of plastic waste has already accumulated in oceans, and an additional 8 Mt is mismanaged and enters the oceans annually. Most of this waste originates from land-based sources.
Circular Economy is a key solution: CE practices can help design out waste, retain value in plastics, and prevent their leakage into the environment. The paper advocates for integrating CE principles into product design, production, use, and disposal stages.
Policy and innovation are essential: Policies such as differentiated taxes on virgin vs. recycled plastics, standards for recycled content, and support for innovations in recycling technologies (mechanical and chemical) are highlighted as important measures.
International cooperation is crucial: The G20 has taken a leading role in addressing marine plastic litter, with a focus on sharing best practices, supporting technology transfer, and strengthening waste management systems, particularly in developing countries.

Key Information

4.1 Plastics Production and Waste Generation

2015 Production: 407 Mt of primary plastics.
2015 Waste Generation: 302 Mt, accounting for 74% of primary plastics production.
Main Use Sectors:
- Packaging: 146 Mt (36% of production), generates 97% of its own waste.
- Building and Construction: 65 Mt (16% of production), generates 20% of its own waste.
- Textiles: 47 Mt (14% of production), generates 71% of its own waste.
- Consumer and Institutional Products: 42 Mt (10% of production), generates 88% of its own waste.
Total Plastic Waste Stock (as of 2015): 6,300 Mt.
Projected Waste by 2050: 12,000 Mt if current trends continue.

4.2 Most Commonly Used Polymers and Additives

Thermoplastics (e.g., Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PET): Can be mechanically recycled.
Thermosets (e.g., PVC): Require chemical recycling.
Common Applications:
- Polyethylene (PE): Packaging, geomembranes.
- Polypropylene (PP): Packaging, automotive, healthcare, marine ropes.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Bottles, synthetic fibers.
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC): Building and construction, food packaging.
- Polystyrene (PS): Food packaging, disposable cutlery, foam products.

5. Marine Plastic Litter

Estimated Stock in Oceans: 83 Mt.
Annual Mismanaged Waste: 8 Mt, with 80% from land-based sources.
G20 Commitments: The G20 has prioritized marine litter, with the 2017 Action Plan and 2018 discussions on stakeholder engagement and information sharing.
Environmental Impact: Plastic waste affects marine life, ecosystems, and human health, leading to significant economic losses.

6. Circular Economy Practices for Addressing Marine Plastic Litter

Product Design:
- Minimize packaging necessity.
- Use renewable, biodegradable, or compostable materials.
- Design for recyclability and reduced material use.
- Policy responses: Support for innovation, differentiated taxes, standards for recycled content, and consumer education.
Manufacturing and Service Delivery:
- Improve resource efficiency and reduce material loss.
- Encourage durable and reusable packaging in tourism and retail.
- Implement new business models that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
- Policy responses: Information platforms, support for CE implementation, and integration of informal waste operators.
Product and Service Use:
- Encourage consumers to avoid single-use plastics.
- Support effective waste management systems.
- Promote product-as-service models and reduce microfiber shedding.
- Policy responses: Bans and levies, deposit return schemes, and consumer education.
End-of-First-Life:
- Prioritize reuse, repair, remanufacture, and recycling.
- Ensure that materials are easily separable for recycling.
- Policy responses: Extended producer responsibility schemes, labeling schemes, and regulations on hazardous materials.
Final Disposal:
- Promote safe landfilling or controlled incineration for hazardous plastics.
- Explore options like encapsulating residual plastics in construction materials.
- Policy responses: Support for innovation in recycling, information sharing, and international cooperation.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that transitioning to a circular plastics economy is essential for addressing marine plastic litter. This includes designing out waste, regaining value from plastics, and recovering plastics already in the oceans. The G20 and international cooperation are vital for scaling these efforts, particularly in developing countries, and for promoting sustainable practices across the plastics value chain.