Economic and Regulatory Analysis of Plastic Waste Management in the EU, Italy, Argentina, and Brazil

Plastic pollution poses significant environmental and economic challenges worldwide, necessitating effective waste management and circular-economy strategies. This study compares the plastics sectors of the European Union, Italy, Argentina, and Brazil, analyzing their economic structures and regulatory frameworks. Here, we conduct a multi-regional assessment combining economic data and policy analysis to reveal marked differences: the EU and Italy exhibit advanced, structured industries with comprehensive regulations that promote circularity, whereas Argentina and Brazil face fragmented policies and less developed recycling infrastructure. Our findings highlight that economic capacity, institutional frameworks, and technological advancement critically influence progress toward circular economy models. These insights underscore the need for coordinated international strategies and tailored national policies to enhance sustainable plastic management and mitigate environmental impacts.