Deep Dive into Plastic Monomers, Additives, and Processing Aids

A variety of chemical substances used in plastic production may be released throughout the entire life cycle plastic, posing risks to human health, environment, and recycling systems. Only a limited number these have been widely studied. We systematically investigate monomers, additives, processing aids on global market based review 63 industrial, scientific, regulatory data sources. In total, we identify more than 10'000 relevant categorize them substance types, use patterns, hazard classifications wherever possible. Over 2'400 are identified as potential concern they meet one or persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity criteria European Union. Many hardly studied according SciFinder (266 substances), not adequately regulated many parts world (1'327 even approved for food-contact plastics some jurisdictions (901 substances). Substantial information gaps exist public domain, particularly properties patterns. To transition sustainable circular economy that avoids hazardous chemicals, concerted efforts by all stakeholders needed, starting increasing accessibility.