While plastics provide a lot of benefits to society, the downside of this is the impact that plastic waste creates on the environment. Plastic waste that ends up in the environment would be a valuable resource for society because by recycling plastics, we would be promoting a circular economy and by this conserving natural resources and energy that would be needed to produce virgin plastics. This would also reduce the impact plastic waste has on the environment.

The goal of the study was to look into the minds of younger consumers, specifically their thoughts and attitudes towards recycling plastics, which could help provide waste management value chain with ideas on how to improve recycling practices and outcomes. This research was conducted by using an exploratory research method which suited the objectives qualitative nature. For this, a survey was created and sent out to younger consumers in order to meet the objectives. All in all, the survey was answered by 73 respondents, mostly from Finland.

The results indicate that generally, younger consumers do not find recycling plastics too difficult to do, but things could be further improved so that recycling rates would increase. Simplicity and motivation play key parts in the whole recycling process. To improve plastic recycling practices and outcomes, recycling plastics should be as simple as possible for everyone and with stakeholders within waste management value chain focusing on this, recycling rates would ultimately increase.

Furthermore, a circular economy is about conserving products, materials, and natural resources for as long as possible. For this, all individuals within society must work together in order to reduce the problems that come from plastic waste. With the results from the study could stakeholders within waste management value chain develop and improve plastic recycling practices and outcomes and hence, help promote circularity.