Circularity drives progress in materials science and plastic waste management
The landscape of materials science is seeing a growing focus on circularity as a key way to address environmental and economic challenges. Since 2019, projects supported by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste have been making a measurable difference. By 2024, they have kept nearly 240,000 tons of plastic waste from ending up in unmanaged disposal sites. Instead, over 253,000 tons of plastic have been recycled or reused, which helps keep resources in use longer and reduces pollution. These efforts have also created more than 2,100 jobs, showing how environmental efforts can support economic opportunities. The Alliance’s work has attracted over $610 million in additional investments, helping expand the reach and impact of their programs.
The 2024 progress report highlights that the Alliance is focusing up its work in India, Indonesia, and South Africa. Each country will receive significant financial backing to develop circular economy projects. These programs target materials that are harder to recycle, such as flexible plastics, and support partnerships that improve recycling infrastructure. The Alliance also emphasizes including informal waste workers and women-owned businesses. This inclusive approach supports stronger, more resilient supply chains in countries where waste management is a major challenge.
Dow takes a similar approach in making circularity part of its business strategy. The company plans to produce 3 million metric tons of circular and renewable materials each year by 2030. Dow’s Circular & Renewable Solutions platform helps move waste plastics back into the supply chain and reduce emissions. The company works with partners to build better recycling systems and aims to ensure 1 million tons of plastic are collected and reused or recycled by 2030. Importantly, Dow works with informal and formal waste workers to build local economies around better waste management.
Materials science plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts, enabling packaging and products to be easier to recycle or reuse. Success depends on cooperation among companies, recyclers, technology developers, and governments. Circularity helps companies reduce environmental impact while creating more reliable supply chains and opening new business opportunities. As demand for sustainable products grows, circular solutions answer both economic needs and environmental priorities.
