Waste polyethylene terephthalate packaging materials in developing countries – sources, adverse effects, and management

Abstract

The ecological issues posed in the land, air and water compartments of the environment by waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging materials linger to be a significant problem nowadays, strictly linked to the rise in consumption of PET packaging materials by the populations in developing countries. However, little efforts are involved in these parts of the world, in managing sources and impacts of waste PET packaging materials. Although the main raw materials, PET polymers, are not considered lethal, the residual monomers in the raw materials have been proven hazardous to the environment. Moreover, many chemicals used in the production of PET packaging materials, such as additives, are dangerous to the environment, along with some degradation products that may be released during the PET packaging materials life cycle. In view of the potential impacts by waste PET packaging materials in the environment, this paper highlights the sources, impacts and management of waste PET packaging materials. We involved extensive literature review on the waste PET packaging materials. It was concluded that the management of waste PET packaging materials by the sources generating them together with recycling, enlightenment, re-usage, ban, product replacement, and improved collection of waste will mitigate the impacts on the environment.