Recycled Plastic Pellets From 13 Countries Across the Globe Detected With Highly Toxic Chemicals

Researchers examined recycled plastic pellets from thirteen different nations and discovered that the majority of the samples had extremely toxic chemicals in them.

Recycled Plastic Pellet Samples Have Highly Toxic Chemicals

A recent investigation by scientists at the University of Gothenburg highlights revelations about recycled plastics across 13 nations spanning Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. This comprehensive analysis of recycled plastic pellets uncovered an alarming array of over 491 organic compounds, including 162 pesticides, 89 pharmaceuticals, and 65 industrial chemicals. The study, utilizing various chemical analysis tools, revealed a concerning reality: these compounds, many recognized as highly toxic, pervade recycled plastic materials.

This research encompassed 28 plastic pellet samples sourced from small-scale recycling facilities across continents, maintaining anonymity for specific locations due to security considerations. Notably, the study refrains from divulging detailed site information. Moreover, to establish a benchmark, virgin HDPE pellets were acquired from Sigma-Aldrich.

Despite the noble intent behind recycling plastics, this investigation casts doubt on its safety. The sheer diversity and quantity of harmful compounds detected within recycled plastics necessitate a reevaluation of the current recycling processes. It underscores the imperative of stringent monitoring and refining recycling methodologies to mitigate potential health and environmental hazards posed by these pervasive toxic substances.

The Complicated Concept of Plastic Recycling

Researchers identified a multifaceted influx of chemicals into recycled plastics, sourced from both initial plastic manufacturing and subsequent recycling stages. Some compounds infiltrate during the recycling process, while others adhere through adsorption, where specific substances form films on diverse surfaces. The broad spectrum of these compounds led the team to conclude that recycled plastics are unsuitable for most applications, thus disrupting the envisioned circular material lifecycle.

Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth from the University of Gothenburg emphasized how the proliferation of toxic chemicals complicates the efficacy of plastic recycling, hindering both reuse and proper disposal. She highlighted the absence of monitoring programs assessing chemicals in recycled plastics. Currently, a mere 1% of plastic chemicals are internationally regulated, lacking policies for reporting chemicals used in recycling, prompting a call for comprehensive change.

The research team stressed the perils posed by these hazardous chemicals to recycling workers, consumers, and the wider environment. Urgent measures are crucial, advocating for the swift elimination of harmful chemical additives and identification of non-intentionally added substances, vital for human and environmental safety.

Almroth underscored the accumulation of hazardous chemicals even within ostensibly closed-loop recycling systems, necessitating the immediate phase-out of detrimental plastic chemicals. To prevent risks, the team recommended implementing stringent regulations dictating the permissible uses of recycled plastics, notably in items like toys and food packaging.

In light of these revelations, it becomes imperative to enforce stringent regulations outlining the acceptable applications of recycled plastics to ensure both human safety and environmental preservation.