Polymer chemistry poised to make plastic waste traceable
Researchers suggest how science can work with the law to tackle plastic pollution
Earlier this year, over 190 nations agreed to negotiate a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution, energising efforts by governments, industry and international institutions to improve plastic recycling rates. The lack of a recognised system for tracing the origin of plastic products is part of the challenge of managing plastic waste. Now, researchers across social and chemical sciences have collaborated to highlight technologies that can associate plastic with its original manufacturer and how such technologies will reach their full potential when incorporated in governance frameworks for combatting plastic pollution.