Global Plastic Waste Trade Could Add to Rising Microplastic Pollution Risk

Plastic Recycling  |  2026-09-17 03:10:38   |   By

The study warned that poorly controlled recycling operations can release plastic particles during shredding, grinding and washing.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Global trade in plastic waste could be contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution, especially when exported materials are handled through poorly controlled waste-management systems, according to a new research review published in npj Emerging Contaminants.

According to the review, as much as 60% of internationally traded waste may be mismanaged. Researchers estimate that about 15% of traded plastic waste could eventually break down into microplastics over a decade if mismanaged. The report identified flexible films, multilayer laminates, sachets and mixed-material packaging as extremely challenging waste streams mainly because of their complex composition.

Scientists associated with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s iLEAPS program, the Basel Action Network in Malaysia, and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry project conducted the research.

The global waste-trade routes have changed following China’s 2018 restrictions on waste imports. Plastic scrap exports have increasingly moved toward Southeast Asia, Turkey, Mexico and parts of Africa, researchers noted.

The study warned that poorly controlled recycling operations can release plastic particles during shredding, grinding and washing. It recommends greater use of monomaterials, fewer unnecessary multilayer structures, improved supply-chain traceability and stronger extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems.