Annually, the global plastic waste generation adds up to over 353 million tonnes, which is associated with substantial environmental and societal issues, such as microplastic pollution and landfill management. Despite many attempts to integrate sustainable circular economy strategies into the plastic industry, several challenges have resulted in material loss and poor-quality recycled products. To address these challenges, this study proposes a material traceability system to overcome the issue of flawed recycling of plastic. The authors employed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to summarise the current state of traceability in the plastic recycling industry. The results revealed that blockchain technology is the most promising framework amongst various traceability systems; however, its implementation is hindered for three reasons. First, future systems must prioritise interoperability to ensure seamless integration; second, standardisation is imperative for effective traceability; and third, implementing digital and physical traceability is essential to maximise the value of materials by enabling improved material identification and enhancing sorting efficiency. Further, it emerged that integrating quality control into traceability solutions is essential for improved recycled content in plastic products. By shedding light on these insights, this study contributes to developing traceability systems in the plastic recycling industry, guiding policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers alike. Ultimately, the implementation of effective traceability mechanisms has the potential to drive plastic circularity by improving material identification, sorting practices, and overall transparency within the industry.

Globally, we produced 489 million tonnes of plastic in 2023 and we recycled only 8.17%. This study navigates the landscape of recycling practices, highlighting the imperative to reevaluate and upgrade industry-standard protocols. The central focus of this study is on integrating more robust traceability criteria and advanced quality testing methodologies to improve recycled plastics with intrinsic value, particularly in anticipation of future market applications. The investigation examines the prevailing industry standard traceability and quality framework. It then assesses the applicability of those standards using technical datasheets for recycled high-density polyethylene resin grades. This study proposes a paradigm shift toward a more sophisticated analytical approach. This comprehensive framework aims to transcend traditional quality and traceability evaluation. This paper employs a mixed methodological approach, including a thematic analysis of relevant industry standard regulations and an in-depth literature review, to address the need for an operational framework for recycling quality. This study highlights that recycling quality depends on technical attributes determining functionality and application suitability. While some properties are measured, the conventional framework does not address the degradation level of recycled plastic. This study concludes with broader considerations, emphasising the need for a traceability model to disclose material history and composition. This study advocates an industry-wide upgrade in recycling standards, prioritising traceability and quality testing. The proposed enhancements in testing grids and the improved understanding of recycling quality collectively contribute to a holistic framework, unlocking the intrinsic value of recycled plastics for future market applications.

The effective adoption of quality assurance and traceability systems is increasingly recognised as a critical enabler of circular economy (CE) outcomes in the plastics sector. This study examines the factors that influence the implementation of such systems within Australia’s recycled plastics industry, with a focus on how these factors vary by company size, supply chain role, and adoption of CE strategy. Recycled plastics are defined here as post-consumer or post-industrial polymers that have been reprocessed for reintegration into manufacturing applications. A mixed-methods survey was conducted with 65 stakeholders across the Australian plastics value chain, comprising recyclers, compounders, converters, and end-users. Respondents assessed a structured set of regulatory, technical, economic, and systemic factors, identifying whether each currently operates as an enabler or barrier in their organisational context. The analysis employed a comparative framework adapted from a 2022 European study, enabling a cross-regional interpretation of patterns and a comparison between CE-aligned and non-CE firms. The results show that firms with CE strategies report greater alignment with innovation-oriented enablers such as digital traceability, standardisation, and closed-loop models. However, these firms also express heightened sensitivity to systemic weaknesses, particularly in areas such as infrastructure limitations, inconsistent material quality, and data fragmentation. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) highlighted compliance costs and operational uncertainty as primary barriers, while larger firms frequently cited frustration with regulatory inconsistency and infrastructure underperformance. These findings underscore the need for differentiated policy mechanisms that account for sectoral and organisational disparities in capacity, scale, and readiness for traceability. The study also cautions against the direct transfer of European circular economy models into the Australian context without consideration of local structural, regulatory, and geographic complexities.

Plastic recycling is critical to transitioning toward a circular economy (CE), yet traceability systems for recycled plastics remain unevenly adopted. While effective traceability supports transparency, compliance, and supply chain accountability, its implementation is shaped not only by technological readiness but also by organisational behaviours and strategic priorities. This study explores how traceability adoption is influenced by company size, internal CE strategy, and perceptions of cost, risk, and regulatory demand. A survey of 65 Australian industry stakeholders reveals that 76% of companies with a CE strategy have implemented traceability systems, compared to 42% without. Larger firms report higher adoption rates than small and medium enterprises, largely due to resource advantages and differing interpretations of traceability’s value. Key barriers include high perceived costs, lack of standardised frameworks, and scepticism toward digital tools. Conversely, motivations such as reputational benefits, regulatory alignment, and inter-organisational trust were identified as enablers, alongside emerging technologies like blockchain and chemical tracers. The findings underscore the role of organisational context in shaping traceability practices and highlight the need for tailored interventions. Recommendations include financial incentives, harmonised standards, and sector-specific guidance that address not only technical gaps but behavioural and structural factors limiting uptake. Positioning traceability as an integrated organisational strategy may accelerate its adoption and support broader circular economy outcomes across the plastics value chain.