Page 7 - AJWEP-v22i3

Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 3 (2025), pp. 1-14.
doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025200158

REVIEW ARTICLE

Redefining plastic terminology: The urgent need
for standardised definitions in science and

policy

Austine Ofondu Chinomso Iroegbu* , Moipone Linda Teffo ,
and Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Institute for Nano-Engineering Research, Tshwane
University of Technology, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
*Corresponding author: Austine Ofondu Iroegbu (aoiroegbu@gmail.com)

Received: May 17, 2025; Revised: May 27, 2025; Accepted: May 28, 2025; Published online: June 20, 2025

Abstract: Plastic pollution is a pervasive global threat, yet efforts to mitigate it are hindered by inconsistent
terminology across scientific, industrial, and policy domains. Key terms, such as “polymer,” “plastic,” and
“macromolecule” are often used interchangeably despite distinct meanings. This semantic confusion undermines
research integrity, muddles regulatory frameworks, and impedes effective environmental management. Without
universally accepted definitions or a clear classification system, data comparability, policy implementation, and
interdisciplinary collaboration are significantly compromised. This study systematically examines the scope and
impact of terminological inconsistencies in plastics discourse. We conducted a structured review of recent (2020
– 2025) peer-reviewed literature spanning polymer science and environmental policy to assess how definitional
ambiguity affects research outcomes and decision-making. The findings reveal that ambiguous usage of fundamental
terms has led to misinterpretations in scientific studies, inconsistent policy decisions, and fragmented mitigation
strategies. In response, we propose a standardization framework guided by the International Union of Pure and
Applied Chemistry principles, delineating clear criteria to distinguish polymers, plastics, and macromolecules.
We recommend embedding these standardized definitions across academic publications, industry standards, and
environmental policies to improve communication, ensure regulatory clarity, and support sustainable management
practices. By establishing a coherent global terminology for plastics, this work underscores an urgent call for
collective action. Standardizing the language of plastics will not only enhance data comparability and strengthen
international policy initiatives, but also ensure that scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders can collaboratively
craft effective, evidence-based solutions to plastic pollution.

Keywords: Plastics; Polymers; Environmental policy; Terminology standardization; Sustainability

1. Introduction widespread use of synthetic polymers have intensified
concerns over their persistence in the environment,
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most critical leading to severe ecological and socio-economic
environmental challenges of the 21 century, with far- impacts. However, the effectiveness of research and
st
2,3
reaching consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, policy interventions aimed at mitigating plastic pollution
and human health. The extensive production and is often undermined by inconsistent terminology in
1-3

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025200158