Plastic Circularity
Data Development, Flow Analysis, and Value Chain Coordination
- 1st Edition - April 1, 2026
- Authors: Paul T. Mativenga, Kunle Ibukun Olatayo, Annlizé L. Marnewick
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 4 0 6 6 7 - 6
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 4 0 6 6 8 - 3
Plastic Circularity: Data Development, Flow Analysis, and Value Chain Coordination presents a comprehensive framework for tackling the challenge of plastic waste through a circul… Read more
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Plastic Circularity: Data Development, Flow Analysis, and Value Chain Coordination presents a comprehensive framework for tackling the challenge of plastic waste through a circular economy approach. It explores innovative methodologies for modeling plastic material flows, evaluating sustainability metrics, and enhancing stakeholder participation across the value chain. This essential resource covers critical topics such as lifecycle impact assessments, data building, and stakeholder dynamics, providing actionable insights for transitioning to tighter circularity loops. By offering practical tools and case studies, Plastic Circularity empowers decision-makers to enhance recycling systems and promote sustainable practices, contributing to a more environmentally responsible plastic economy.
- Introduces advanced modeling techniques that allow for a thorough analysis of plastic material flows, facilitating a nuanced understanding of sustainability metrics throughout the value chain
- Highlights the importance of collaboration in driving the transition to a circular economy for plastics by outlining a structured approach for engaging diverse stakeholders
- Provides readers with concrete strategies and benchmarks to evaluate and improve recycling initiatives and circularity efforts by using case studies and practical tools
Graduate students, researchers, and professionals interested in environmental science, waste management, and sustainability
1. Plastic economy and the value chain
1.1. Plastics in the economy
1.2. Plastics across the value chain
1.3. Plastics in the circular economy
1.4. Conclusions References
2. Plastic waste and the waste management hierarchy
2.1. Plastics life cycle
2.2. Plastic leakages
2.3. Microplastics
2.4. Waste management hierarchy systems
2.5. Circularity within the hierarchy
2.6. Conclusions References
3. Plastics impact and sustainability
3.1. Life cycle impact assessment of plastics
3.2. Plastic sustainability
3.3. Plastics within planetary boundaries
3.4. Sustainability in a circular economy
3.5. Conclusions References
4. Data building in the plastics value chain
4.1. Role of data in the value chain
4.2. Data sourcing and triangulation
4.3. Challenges to data collection
4.4. Data quality and traceability
4.5. Building up data collection capacity
4.6. Conclusions References
5. Modeling of plastic material flows for sustainable decision making
5.1. Goal and scope definition
5.2. Modelling flows and system boundaries
5.3. Plastic footprint, trade balance, and recycling rate
5.4. Policy interventions across the value chain
5.5. Conclusions References
6. Participation and dynamics of stakeholders in the value chain
6.1. Value chain coordination
6.2. Stakeholders across the value chain
6.3. Global Partners towards plastic circularity
6.4. Participation of stakeholders at higher waste management hierarchy options
6.5. Conclusions Reference
7. Progress toward plastic circularity
7.1. The case and need for pathways to better circularity
7.2. Pathways to better recycling
7.3. Pathways to zero landfill
7.4. Generic approach for modelling options to transition to higher waste hierarchy options
7.5. Conclusions Reference
8. Transition towards world class system
8.1. Maturity model to world class:
8.1.1. Ad-hoc and unstructured
8.1.2. Structured
8.1.3. Visionary
8.1.4. Integrated
8.1.5. Connected and dynamic
8.2. Performance assessment framework
8.3. Benchmarking of a recycling system
8.4. Transitioning to higher of performance and maturity of the recycling system
8.5. Conclusions Reference
9. Case studies toward circular plastic economy and the gaps
9.1. South Africa
9.2. Nigeria
9.3. Egypt
9.4. India
9.5. China
9.6. Germany
9.7. United Kingdom
9.8. Conclusions References
1.1. Plastics in the economy
1.2. Plastics across the value chain
1.3. Plastics in the circular economy
1.4. Conclusions References
2. Plastic waste and the waste management hierarchy
2.1. Plastics life cycle
2.2. Plastic leakages
2.3. Microplastics
2.4. Waste management hierarchy systems
2.5. Circularity within the hierarchy
2.6. Conclusions References
3. Plastics impact and sustainability
3.1. Life cycle impact assessment of plastics
3.2. Plastic sustainability
3.3. Plastics within planetary boundaries
3.4. Sustainability in a circular economy
3.5. Conclusions References
4. Data building in the plastics value chain
4.1. Role of data in the value chain
4.2. Data sourcing and triangulation
4.3. Challenges to data collection
4.4. Data quality and traceability
4.5. Building up data collection capacity
4.6. Conclusions References
5. Modeling of plastic material flows for sustainable decision making
5.1. Goal and scope definition
5.2. Modelling flows and system boundaries
5.3. Plastic footprint, trade balance, and recycling rate
5.4. Policy interventions across the value chain
5.5. Conclusions References
6. Participation and dynamics of stakeholders in the value chain
6.1. Value chain coordination
6.2. Stakeholders across the value chain
6.3. Global Partners towards plastic circularity
6.4. Participation of stakeholders at higher waste management hierarchy options
6.5. Conclusions Reference
7. Progress toward plastic circularity
7.1. The case and need for pathways to better circularity
7.2. Pathways to better recycling
7.3. Pathways to zero landfill
7.4. Generic approach for modelling options to transition to higher waste hierarchy options
7.5. Conclusions Reference
8. Transition towards world class system
8.1. Maturity model to world class:
8.1.1. Ad-hoc and unstructured
8.1.2. Structured
8.1.3. Visionary
8.1.4. Integrated
8.1.5. Connected and dynamic
8.2. Performance assessment framework
8.3. Benchmarking of a recycling system
8.4. Transitioning to higher of performance and maturity of the recycling system
8.5. Conclusions Reference
9. Case studies toward circular plastic economy and the gaps
9.1. South Africa
9.2. Nigeria
9.3. Egypt
9.4. India
9.5. China
9.6. Germany
9.7. United Kingdom
9.8. Conclusions References
- Edition: 1
- Published: April 1, 2026
- Language: English
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Paul T. Mativenga
Professor Paul Mativenga (he/him) holds a Chair in Multi-scale and Sustainable Manufacturing in the School of Engineering at The University of Manchester, the United Kingdom and is distinguished visiting professor at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research is in sustainable manufacturing, machining science, micro manufacturing, laser processing, low carbon manufacturing and circular economy. He is Director of the Laser Processing Research Laboratory (LPRL). Paul is excited about developing engineering science solutions to the major challenges of resource efficiency and industrial sustainability. His research has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Innovate UK and Industry. Paul is a member of the International Academy of Production Engineering, College International pour la Recherche en Productique (CIRP), Fellow of the RSA and has editorial roles for SAGE and Elsevier Journals in manufacturing science.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor and Chair, Multi-scale and Sustainable Manufacturing, School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, the United Kingdom; Professor, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaKO
Kunle Ibukun Olatayo
Dr. Olatayo is a circular economy and sustainability researcher with primary expertise in the modelling of plastic material flows, value chain management, resource efficiency, sustainable waste management, and clean energy. He has contributed significantly in these various fields of research, with a number of published articles in reputable international peer-reviewed journals. He is equally a regular reviewer of articles for several journals. Dr. Olatayo holds a PhD. in Development and Management Engineering (North-West University, South Africa); MSc. in Environmental Technology (University of Teesside, United Kingdom); MSc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering (University of Lagos, Nigeria); and B.Eng. (Hons) in Civil Engineering (University of Ilorin, Nigeria). He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg.
Affiliations and expertise
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaAM
Annlizé L. Marnewick
Annlizé Marnewick is the Head of the University of Johannesburg’s Postgraduate School of Engineering Management in South Africa. Her research focuses on the integration of sustainability requirements in engineering projects, the impact of digitalisation on projects and the impact on society. She is passionate about developing postgraduate students and co-creating sustainable solutions for the local society. She is a registered professional engineer in South Africa.
Affiliations and expertise
Head, University of Johannesburg’s Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, South Africa