Plastics: elusive flows, for a performative ambition of circularity

Plastics have unique properties of strength and lightness at low costs that have led to their omnipresence in our lives. This consumption, which has been growing rapidly since the 1950s, poses a challenge because it is correlated with the production of plastic waste that is constantly increasing, putting pressure on management systems and leading to millions of tonnes of waste discharged. Faced with this massive pollution, the economic value chain of plastics is affected by technical, regulatory and flow control malfunctions. An injunction is then issued to circulate the flows, suggesting that the problem is being solved, while in the field, recycling remains minimal. When 5,599 kt of plastic products are used in 2018 in France, only 622 kt are actually recycled.

The circular economy of plastics therefore proves to be more performative than effective, while justifying the perpetuation of a growth in consumption. This article aims to identify the French metabolism of plastic and analyze its functioning. Based on an analysis of the material balance sheets and their representation by the various actors, the performative illusion of the circular economy will be highlighted.