Evolution of the global polyethylene waste trade system

Abstract

Introduction: China's import bans on solid wastes starting from 2017 have challenged the global trade system of plastic wastes, which remains poorly characterized. This study chooses polyethylene (PE) as a case and aims to map out the global trade networks of PE waste (GPETN) from 1976 to 2017. Outcomes: We find that the size and complexity of the GPETN had been growing until 2016. After the mid-1990s, PE waste basically flowed from developed economies, mainly the EU and the US, to developing economies such as China. Since 2001 when admitted into the WTO, China's PE waste import surged until 2014 when it absorbed over 60% of global export. Regulations on solid waste import following the Green Fence campaign in 2013 resulted in substantial reductions in China's import as well as the global export of PE waste after 2014. Several other developing economies, such as Malaysia, Turkey, and Vietnam, had transitioned to net importers, but their imports were insufficient to replace China as new recycling bases for PE waste. Conclusion: The results highlight the urgent need of a joint effort for developed and developing countries to build a stronger global circular economy system with sufficient capacity to treat PE waste locally.

Evaluating waste and scrap trade risks in Belt and Road Initiative countries

“…In addition, polymer-specific trade network patterns have also been studied. Xu et al (2020) studied the dynamics of global polyethylene waste trade networks (GPEWTNs). Pacini et al (2021) divided plastic wastes into four subtypes, including ethylene (PET) wastes, styrene wastes (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wastes and mixed plastic wastes.…”

Rheological and morphological analysis of irradiated high and low density polyethylene samples

“…Polyethylene is the most popular polymer material in the global market. [1][2][3] Most of the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are supplied to end-product manufacturers in the granular form. In comparison with the powdery and flaky forms, it has significant advantages: high bulk density; flowability, i.e.…”

“…АНАЛИЗА ЗРАЧЕНИХ HDPE И LDPE УЗОРАКАAIDAR KADYIROV1 , AJDAR AKHMADIYAROV 2 , RUSLAN GARIPOV3 и EKATERINA VACHAGINA1Institute of Power Engineering and Advanced Technologies, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia; 2 Department of Physical Chemistry, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia и National Research Technological University, Kazan, Russia Проучаван је утицај интензитета -зрачења комерцијалних гранула LDPE и HDPE (Казаноргсинтез ПЈСЦ, Казан, Татарстан, Русија) на њихова реолошка и морфолошка својства у дозама озрачености од 5 и 10 kGy. Експерименти у режиму осцилација открили су повећање вредности динамичког модула са повећањем дозе радијације у поређењу са почетним узорцима.…”

Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone Utilizing Aluminum Alkyl Complexes Bearing Dianionic Scorpionate Ligands

“…Petroleum-based polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene have found widespread commercial use due to their chemical stability and physical durability. As such, they are produced on million tonne (Mt) scales globally every year, with over 359 Mt produced in 2018. , The desirable properties of petroleum-based plastics, however, causes problems when it comes to their disposal. Polyethylene and polypropylene polymers are not biodegradable and persist in natural environments.…”

“…As such, they are produced on million tonne (Mt) scales globally every year, with over 359 Mt produced in 2018. 1,2 The desirable properties of petroleum-based plastics, however, causes problems when it comes to their disposal. Polyethylene and polypropylene polymers are not biodegradable and persist in natural environments.…”