Plastic value chain and performance metric framework for optimal recycling

Abstract

Despite the promotion of plastic recycling to sustainably manage plastic waste and advance the circular economy, existing plastic recycling systems globally are largely experiencing low performance and growth. To transition to world‐class plastic material recycling and circularity, defining the metrics that impact the performance of a plastic recycling system is crucial. Bringing together existing literature, this study developed a conceptual framework, comprised of eight key performance metrics, for benchmarking recycling success or assessing the degree to which the performance of any plastic recycling system is optimal. Through a value chain approach, the specific performance metrics relevant to each stage of the plastic recycling system, their objectives, and the actors characterizing the system were analyzed in detail. Also, specific maturity models were developed to measure the performance of any plastic recycling system. This framework provides essential knowledge for related stakeholders to inform further development of plastic recycling and a circular economy.

Measuring the performance and maturity of the plastic recycling value chain system: implications and prospects

“…The assessment indicators (maturity elements) used for measurement include customer satisfaction, process costs, quality data and database, structured processes, performance targets, chain actors' integration and system performance review. Table 1 provides the descriptions of the maturity elements [32]. The application of the maturity elements of the maturity model to the different stages of the plastic value chain involved assessing each of the value chain stages separately against all of the elements.…”

“…For the maturity measurement of the plastic recycling system, the country's identified plastic recycling stages of the value chain include plastic production, product manufacturing, waste generation, sorting, recycling and recyclate market. The approach to maturity measurement applied in this study is centred upon a maturity model, the Plastic Recycling Value Chain Maturity Model, recently developed by Olatayo et al [32], based on the importance of the plastic value chain.…”

“…According to the model developed by Olatayo et al [32], the features associated with the maturity level of "Visionary" (Level 3) include existence of platforms to formally support recycling activities development; existence of established owners of various processes of the plastic value chain, who are tasked with performance; targets for performance are mostly realised; process costs start to reduce along the value chain; and consumers' inclusion in the improvement of processes starts to produce customer satisfaction. The features of "Structured" (Level 2) are that processes of the value chain begin to be structured; elementary processes are being defined and documented; traditional jobs and practices still exist; quality data pertaining to the system is available in little quantity; targets for performance are rarely realised, even though defined; recyclables and waste are rarely traced; high process costs still exist; improving, but still low customer satisfaction.…”

Global Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Supply Chain Resource Metabolism Efficiency and Carbon Emissions Co-Reduction Strategies

“…Japan has shown relatively good performance [68], but there is still room for improvement in other countries. Strengthening the utilization of recycled plastics is crucial for advancing the development of a circular economy [69], and countries should intensify efforts and adopt effective policies and measures to promote the widespread application of recycled plastics, thus achieving sustainable resource utilization and environmental protection.…”