A sustainable future for plastics considering material safety and preserved value

The positive benefits afforded by the widespread use of plastics need to be reconciled with negative impacts on the environment and health across the entire plastics life cycle. Optimizing the balance in several facets of plastics production, use and waste management is necessary for a more sustainable relationship with these materials in the Anthropocene.

Automated summary

The positive benefits of plastics must be balanced with their negative impacts on the environment and health throughout their life cycle. Optimizing the balance in production, use, and waste management is crucial for a more sustainable relationship with plastics in the Anthropocene.