TOXICITY AND DECISION-MAKING IN CIRCULARITY: Evaluation of the Environmental and Health Risks of Circular Economy Practices and Plastic Recycling in the Bolivian Beverage Industry

Abstract

This study evaluated the environmental and health risks associated with using recycled plastic for food-contact packaging in Bolivia, aligning with the global shift towards a circular economy. The project had four objectives: 1. To identify potential contaminants in recycled plastic bottles through a literature review. 2. To assess the quality of Bolivian regulations for approving the use of recycled plastic packaging in contact with food by comparing them to regulations from the European Union and the United States. 3. To understand how solid waste management and recycling practices are conducted in Bolivia through online interviews with stakeholders. 4. To collect information on awareness and practices related to the use of recycled plastic bottles and recycling habits through an online survey. The study revealed potential risks from various contaminants throughout the recycling process, which expose the quality and safety of recycled PET. Sources of contamination include impurities in virgin PET, added substances like plasticizers, inefficiencies in sorting waste systems, and the quality of inputs from post-consumer plastic waste. Additionally, the potential misuse of post-consumer plastic bottles poses significant risks due to consumers' lack of knowledge and proper practices. The study also highlighted challenges within Bolivia's waste collection system and the effective recovery of recyclable materials. It emphasized the need for updated regulations to address these issues and promote stricter standards to ensure the safety and quality of recycled PET. Furthermore, the research stressed the importance of consumer education in the development of proper disposal and recycling practices, which are vital for the success of a circular economy. The study recommended implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and a Deposit Return System (DRS) as effective strategies to enhance recycling rates and ensure producer accountability. However, these recommendations must prioritize prevention practices aimed at reducing the use and production of plastic products. For EPR to be effectively implemented, producing companies must provide reliable information about their efforts to decrease post-consumer waste and improve recycling practices, along with ensuring traceability of data. By adopting these measures, Bolivia can enhance its waste management practices, reduce environmental impact, and progress towards achieving a sustainable circular economy. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes regulatory updates, improved waste management, and active consumer participation to advance PET recycling in Bolivia. This study evaluated the environmental and health risks associated with using recycled plastic for food-contact packaging in Bolivia as part of the global shift towards a circular economy. The project had four objectives: i) Identifying potential contaminants in recycled plastic bottles through a literature II review. ii) Assess the quality of Bolivian regulations for approving the use of recycled plastic packaging in contact with food by comparing them with regulations issued in the European Union and the United States. Iii) Understanding how solid waste management and recycling practices are handled in Bolivia through online interviews with stakeholders. iv) Collecting information on awareness and practices related to using recycled plastic bottles and recycling habits through an online survey. The study found a potential risk of different contaminants in the whole recycling loop that compromises the quality and health safety of recycled PET. Some contamination sources are impurities in virgin PET, added substances like plasticizers, sorting waste systems, and the quality of inputs (plastic waste post-consumer). Additionally, the potential misuse of post-consumer plastic bottles poses a significant risk related to consumer practices and knowledge. The study also identified challenges with Bolivia's waste collection system and the effective recovery of recyclable materials, emphasizing the need for updated regulations to address these encounters and promote stricter standards to ensure the safety and quality of recycled PET. Moreover, the research emphasized the importance of consumer education in promoting proper disposal and recycling practices, which are essential for the success of a circular economy. The study recommended implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return System (DRS) as practical strategies to improve recycling rates and ensure producer responsibility. However, these recommendations should prioritize prevention practices to reduce the use and production of plastic products. For the concept of EPR to be correctly applied, producing companies have to spread reliable information about the results of their measures to reduce the amount of waste post-consumer and the recycling practices, combined with traceability of data. By adopting these measures, Bolivia can improve its waste management practices, reduce environmental impact, and move closer to achieving a sustainable circular economy. The findings underline the importance of a comprehensive approach involving regulatory updates, improved waste management, and active consumer participation to advance plastic PET recycling in Bolivia.