Book Description

This insightful Research Handbook addresses whether international, national and regional laws are able to address the challenges plastics pose. Expert contributors demonstrate that many laws on this topic are fragmented, and advocate for the development of systemic approaches which engage a broad range of actors to ensure effective regulation moving forward. Bringing together leading academics and practitioners, the Research Handbook on Plastics Regulation addresses key topics such as the interference of plastics in the human right to health and wellbeing, food security, biodiversity, ocean pollution, trade, and the use of petroleum. It proposes potential routes for the development of future plastics regulation through earth systems law, the circular economy, and intellectual property and life-cycle based approaches to product design. Fundamentally, the Research Handbook emphasises the crucial need for societal and equitable justice with regards to plastics use and the reform of regulatory practices. Providing legal insight on a pressing global topic, this Research Handbook is invaluable for law students and academics specialising in human rights, intellectual property, law of the sea/ocean governance and environmental law at a national, international or global level. It will also be beneficial to policymakers working in environmental regulation and governance.