Compendium on Plastics in the Environment

The topic of “plastics in the environment“ is multifaceted and complex. Scientific work in this field is therefore highly inter- and transdisciplinary and requires the cooperation of experts from many scientific- technical and socio-economic disciplines.

Where different disciplines come together, a certain inconsistency also exists in the way in which things are labelled: Terms and definitions in the technical and regulatory field are very closely linked to specific areas of application. This is why there are sometimes different levels of meaning to a term. The objective of this handbook is to contribute to a common understanding of the numerous relevant terms. It will not always be possible to find one term or one definition for all purposes. In order to limit this problem as much as possible, the authors first identify the area of application of the terms and definitions and base further explanations on that.

This compendium thus aims to sharpen relevant terms and thereby aims to contribute to the better understanding in the heterogenous community on „plastics in the environment“. In addition, the brochure is intended to help ensure that communication with and by non-scientific actors on the topic is based on a terminologically correct foundation, especially in emotionally charged debates. After all, these debates are often highly relevant in shaping our future, and it seems important that the necessary political, social and economic decisions should be taken on the basis of knowledge and factual information.

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