Comprehensive literature review of material flow analysis (MFA) of plastics waste: recent trends, policy, management, and methodology

Abstract

This comprehensive review was conducted to identify research trends in material flow analysis (MFA) and policy developments regarding plastic waste. In addition, this review aims to explain the methods used to apply MFA to plastic waste management policies. A systematic literature review (SLR) followed by the PRISMA 2021 guidelines was used for data collection, while bibliometric analysis (BA) and qualitative content analysis (CA) were used for data analysis. As a result, this study found limited data on plastic waste generation and material recovery, a lack of research on specific keywords, such as e-waste and plastic pollution, and gaps in information regarding waste management, especially in developing countries. Based on the policy review, there is also a lack of comprehensive policies at the regional and local levels that specifically address the entire plastic lifecycle and the limited regulation in plastic production compared to plastic consumption. Additionally, there is a major focus on plastic waste leakage, but there is insufficient support from local governments and community participation, particularly in Indonesia. In this study, step-by-step guidance for utilizing MFA was documented, especially on how MFA can be used to assess recycling efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and identify the best strategies to reduce PET waste leakage to the environment. This study can serve as a reference for identifying gaps in policy development related to managing plastic waste, and as guidance for determining and applying the appropriate integration of MFA methodology and plastic waste interventions.