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Post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) refers to the plastic materials derived from the recycling and processing of waste plastic products used by consumers. Circular economy refers to the economic model of sustainable development through the efficient use of resources and the minimization of waste and pollution. In this article, we will explore whether recycled plastics are driving the development of a circular economy.

First, the use of recycled plastics helps reduce the need for new plastic raw materials. Traditional plastic products are usually made from non-renewable resources such as petroleum, and their production involves environmental pollution, energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, by recycling and processing waste plastic products, the need for new plastics can be reduced, thus reducing the reliance on non-renewable resources. This has prompted people to pay more attention to the recycling of waste plastics and promoted the development of a circular economy.

Second, the use of recycled plastics reduces landfill and incineration of waste plastics. Landfill and incineration of waste plastics is one of the main causes of environmental pollution and resource waste. Landfills pollute soil and water, while incineration releases harmful gases and produces greenhouse gases. However, the recycling and reuse of recycled plastics can avoid landfill and incineration of waste plastics, minimize the damage to the environment, and comply with the principles of circular economy.

In addition, the use of recycled plastics can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The production and processing of recycled plastics usually requires less energy than the manufacturing process of extracting plastic raw materials from new plastic products. In addition, the production process of recycled plastics also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Because the raw materials for recycled plastics already exist in discarded plastics, there is no need to mine and refine new plastic raw materials. Therefore, the use of recycled plastics reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to the realization of a low-carbon economy and sustainable development.

In addition, the use of recycled plastics has promoted the development of the plastic recycling industry. Recycled plastics need to be recycled, sorted, cleaned and processed before they can be produced and used. Therefore, the promotion of recycled plastics has played a positive role in promoting the development of the plastic recycling industry. With the continuous growth of the recycled plastics market, more enterprises and institutions have begun to invest in plastic recycling technology and equipment, which has promoted the improvement and expansion of the plastic recycling and reuse chain in the circular economy.

Finally, the use of recycled plastics helps to improve people's awareness of plastic materials and change the use of behavior. The promotion of recycled plastics has prompted people to pay attention to the treatment and utilization of waste plastics, and has enhanced people's awareness of the value of plastic resources. As the quality and performance of recycled plastics continue to improve, people are also willing to use recycled plastic products. This change in perception and behavior helps to reduce the generation of plastic waste and environmental pollution, providing impetus for the development of a circular economy.

In summary, the promotion and use of recycled plastics has played a positive role in promoting the development of a circular economy. The use of recycled plastics reduces the demand for new plastic raw materials, reduces landfill and incineration of waste plastics, reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, promotes the development of the plastic recycling industry, and changes people's awareness and use behavior of plastic materials. However, recycled plastics still face some challenges in their application, such as unstable quality and higher prices. Therefore, we need to further strengthen technology research and development and policy support to achieve the wide application of recycled plastics and make greater contributions to the realization of a circular economy.