Decoding the barriers for a circular plastics industry: An equation framework

Sammanfattning

Empirical research on barriers to a circular plastics economy has predominantly relied on case study approaches.
While research has provided insights into the conceptual and anecdotal aspects of these barriers, a gap remains in
the application of formalized methodologies to systematically understand and address them. This paper seeks to
bridge this gap by developing an equation system tailored to the plastics industry, bringing clarity to the complex
interplay of factors that constitute barriers to a circular economy. The study identifies four primary barriers to
the circular economy, as documented in the literature between 2017 and 2024: economic, institutional and
regulatory, technological, and social. The results include 24 equations, synthesized into four master equations. A
mathematical case study demonstrates how numerical weights, and the relative importance of variables can
differ between countries, offering a practical guide for applying the framework across diverse contexts. The study
concludes that reducing regulatory ambiguity, scaling recycling infrastructure, and fostering consumer trust in
recycled materials are critical steps. However, each country will face unique challenges, requiring policymakers
to adopt tailored approaches and variable weighting