Kunststoffabfälle im Kontext der SDGs

Tackling the global challenges of plastic waste has received increasing attention in recent years, particularly in the context of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Plastic waste has become an integral part of the discussion on sustainable development and has a direct impact on several SDGs. SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) as well as SDG 14 (Life Below Water) are most frequently mentioned by numerous studies. The plastics industry (including waste management) is an important economic sector; at the same time, enormous environmental damage results in economic losses. For example, the impact of plastic waste on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is significant. Plastic littering (macroplastic), microplastic and nanoplastic emissions have a negative impact on human health (microplastics have been detected in human blood) and fauna, although there is still a need for further research and empirical data in this area. Plastic production also contributes to climate change. Appropriate (separate) plastic waste collection and sustainable plastic management, such as reducing plastic consumption in order to reduce production volumes and plastic emissions from process streams, recycling and waste disposal, can positively contribute to achieving the SDG targets.