A systematic literature review is conducted to explore the promise and limitations of systems-based methods in addressing plastic pollution. The findings suggest that more literature focused on the whole life cycle of plastics is needed to improve understanding of the complex societal challenge and guide science-based policymaking.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
$32.99 / 30 days
cancel any time
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 digital issues and online access to articles
$119.00 per year
only $9.92 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on SpringerLink
- Instant access to the full article PDF.
USD 39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Erdle, L. M. & Eriksen, M. Monitor compartments, mitigate sectors: a framework to deconstruct the complexity of plastic pollution. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 193, 115198 (2023). A study introducing a framework for dividing plastic use into sectors to redirect attention upstream.
Tiller, R., Booth, A. M. & Cowan, E. Risk perception and risk realities in forming legally binding agreements: the governance of plastics. Environ. Sci. Policy 134, 67–74 (2022). An analysis comparing the trajectory of marine plastics as an environmental governance issue with other global challenges.
Nielsen, M. B. et al. Unfolding the science behind policy initiatives targeting plastic pollution. Microplast. Nanoplast. 3, 3 (2023). An article that investigates the extent to which key policy initiatives targeting plastic pollution are based on scientific knowledge.
Simon, N. et al. A binding global agreement to address the life cycle of plastics. Science 373, 43–47 (2021). A policy paper that argues for a global legally binding agreement that addresses the full life cycle of plastics.
Farrelly, T., Gammage, T., Carney Almroth, B. & Thompson, R. Global plastics treaty needs trusted science. Science 384, 281 (2024). A letter that calls for a science-based treaty to end plastic pollution, and the removal of fossil fuel and chemical lobbyists’ influence from the treaty negotiations.
Additional information
Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This is a summary of: Brooks, A. L. & Havas, V. Strengthening global plastic policy with systems analysis. Nat. Sustain. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-025-01554-4 (2025).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Identifying gaps in systems-based plastic pollution literature. Nat Sustain 8, 592–593 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-025-01555-3
Published:
Version of record:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-025-01555-3
