The input of plastics into the environment is growing worldwide. As existing regulations are not sufficient to curb the problem, the ever-increasing plastic production and use must be reduced overall. A systemic approach is needed that holds all actors responsible who produce, use, recycle, dispose and trade in plastic products and packaging. Policymakers must drive the necessary paradigm shift and facilitate a sufficiency debate across society.

The article describes possible solutions and is based on several years of social science research in the research focus Plastic in the Environment - Sources, Sinks, Solutions by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

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