Human health effects of recycling and reusing plastic packaging in the food system: a systematic review and meta-analysis of life cycle assessments.
Deeney, M.; Green, R.; Yan, X.; Dooley, C.; Yates, J.; Rolker, H. B.; Kadiyala, S.
Show abstract
Circular strategies, including recycling and reuse of food packaging, are critical responses to the plastic pollution crisis and could provide co-benefits and trade-offs for human health. Our meta-analysis of life cycle assessment (LCA) data quantifies possible health effects using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) mediated by climate change, ozone, air pollution, toxicity, and water scarcity. We found strong evidence for reduced health risks with both a higher percentage of recycled content and a greater end-of-life recycling rate, resulting in around a day of healthy life saved per tonne of plastic packaging recycled. On average, reusable packaging reduced the health impacts associated with single use plastics after 30 uses, which is unlikely reflected in current consumer behaviour. Data from low- and middle-income countries, and greater use of health indicators in LCA, are urgently needed. LCA is a unique tool that could be optimised for interdisciplinary public health research on circular economies. TeaserLife cycle assessment meta-analysis shows recycling and reusing plastic food packaging could provide human health co-benefits, and some risks.
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