Material flow analysis of plastics in Australia: Towards a circular economy of polymers

Plastic is a critical material in Australia, widely used across industries for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, the growing volume of plastic waste, amounting to 3201 kt in 2020–21, poses significant environmental challenges. Only 13 % of plastic waste was recycled, while 81 % was sent to landfill, 1 % energy recovery and 5 % exported. This study examines the lifecycle of plastics in Australia, including production, consumption, waste generation, and recycling practices. Employing Material Flow Analysis (MFA) combined with Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) analysis, we trace the flows of major plastic types, identify systemic inefficiencies and reginal disparities in recycling. Results show that 77 % of the 1280 kt of virgin polymers consumed were imported, with polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE) being the most common type, followed by PVC and PP. The manufacturing and construction sectors together account for 84 % of total plastic consumption. Regional patterns vary considerably. New South Wales and Victoria report the highest plastic use, reflecting population size, while recycling rates differ widely. South Australia achieves a 20 % recycling rate, whereas the Australian Capital Territory recycles only 0.1 % locally due to the absence of recycling facilities. Of the total plastic waste recycled, 46 % was reprocessed domestically, and the remainder exported, highlighting gaps in local recycling infrastructure. These findings underscore the urgent need to improve Australia’s recycling capacity and practices. Strengthening domestic infrastructure is essential for mitigating environmental impacts and advancing towards a circular economy of plastics.