Concerns regarding the presence of chemical substances used as plastic additives in the circular use of plastics

Abstract

With the promotion of the circular use of plastics, there is a growing recognition of the need to eliminate chemical substances from plastic recycling. In this study, we investigated the concerning substances present in plastic products and discussed the substances that are particularly concerned for their inflows to plastic recycling. We reviewed the overlap between the approximately 400 chemicals listed as widely used plastic additives by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the chemicals identified in the literature as concerning substances in plastic products. From this review, 22 substances, most of which are internationally regulated substances or substances classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under the EU REACH regulation, were found to be of particular concern in plastic recycling. Given the potential of these substances to hinder plastic recycling, it is crucial to understand their presence in plastic products, waste streams, and the actual circularity of their use. Additionally, there are approximately 70 SVHCs that may be used in plastic products beyond the substances listed as widely used plastic additives by the ECHA, highlighting the need to assess their actual usage as well.