Plastics in the German building and infrastructure sector: A high-resolution dataset on historical flows, stocks, and legacy substance contamination

The use of plastics in buildings and infrastructure has been steadily increasing in the past. Due to the longevity of building components, in the upcoming decades a dramatical growth in waste quantities is expected as a delayed response to the increased consumption, posing a major challenge for waste management and recycling. However, comprehensive high-resolution data on plastic flows in the building and infrastructure sector in Germany have so far not been available. This dataset addresses this gap by presenting simulated data on historical (1950-2023) plastic flows and stocks in the German building and infrastructure sector including their contamination with selected legacy substances based on a dynamic material flow analysis. The focus is on major plastic applications in buildings and infrastructure, namely profiles, flooring, pipes, insulation material, cable insulation, and films. Input data for the dynamic material flow model were compiled from various sources, including scientific literature, reports, statistics, databases, and personal communication with industry stakeholders. The linked data repository contains simulated data, input data, and model files, enabling model reproduction, adjustment, or expansion. This dataset forms a basis for quantitatively assessing current and future plastic cycles in buildings and infrastructure and potential challenges for recycling arising through legacy contamination. The dataset can be reused in different contexts as it bridges various disciplines such as environmental science, industrial ecology, material science, construction engineering, and toxicology, providing valuable insights for research in sustainability, waste management, and pollution mitigation.