Filling the Gaps: Tracing 12 Types of Non-commodity Plastics in China’s Plastic Socioeconomic Metabolism

Recent
plastic flow research has largely focused on commodity plastics
(PE, PP, PVC, PS, ABS), yet a sizable share of other polymer types
remains understudied. These non-commodity plastics suffer from inconsistent
definitions, complex classifications, and data gaps, which hinder
accurate assessment of their production, use, and end-of-life management.
This study develops dynamic material flow analysis to investigate
12 key “non-commodity” plastics in Chinaincluding
PET, PU, seven engineering plastics, and three thermosetting plasticsand
addresses these knowledge gaps. Our results show that in 2022, China
produces approximately 85 million tonnes of these polymers, a volume
comparable to commodity plastics, with 35% used in plastic products
and the remainder in non-plastic applications (e.g., fibers, rubber).
PET is predominantly employed in short-lifespan packaging, whereas
PU, engineering plastics, and thermosetting plastics find use in longer-lifespan
applications, underscoring the need for targeted recycling strategiesparticularly
chemical recycling for PU and thermoset products. Revisiting the scope
of “plastics” using scientific criteria can help mitigate
definitional ambiguities and guide more effective policymaking. By
improving data availability and tracking this underexplored non-commodity
category, our study lays the groundwork for more accurate assessments
and interventions to reduce plastic pollution.