Serenella Sala

Plastic remains a cornerstone of modern industry, yet its linear "take-make-waste" trajectory presents critical environmental challenges. This presentation provides a comprehensive examination of the plastic value chain, transitioning from current production and consumption patterns toward a robust circular economy. Central to this analysis are the results of a first-of-its-kind Material Flow Analysis (MFA) for plastics within the European Union. This MFA granularly quantifies existing stocks and flows from production to end-of-life, providing a transparent baseline at sectors’ and polymers’ levels for evaluating current circularity rates and defining data-driven future scenarios. To evaluate the environmental trade-offs of these transitions, the presentation shares detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results across various plastic sectors. The research pushes the boundaries of conventional flows accounting by capturing the quantities of microplastic losses in the environment along the value chain, as well as waste mismanagement occurring in the EU. Furthermore, the work explores the shift toward alternative feedstocks, specifically bio-based inputs, and the pivotal role of biotechnologies in transforming waste into high-value secondary raw materials. A key focus is dedicated to the "Safe and Sustainable by Design" (SSbD) framework. The presentation analyzes new approaches for the design of chemicals and materials, including advanced materials, ensuring that functionality does not come at the cost of toxicity or persistence. These technical advancements are contextualized within the evolving legislative landscape. Strategic implications of key policies are mentioned for each e aspect, such as the Circular Economy Act, the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the Advance Materials Act and the Biotech Act II, illustrating how policy frameworks act as catalysts for a sustainable and smarter plastic economy.