In recent years, the environmental problems associated with plastics have become a matter of global concern. Current responses seek to replace plastics with other materials, however it is not yet clear that these alternatives will deliver improved environmental outcomes. There remains an urgent need for more nuanced understandings of plastics, their role in society, and their environmental impacts. Drawing on social science perspectives that emphasise the co-evolution of materials and society, this paper outlines a socio-technical approach to plastics and social change. In this view, plastics are understood in terms of the networks and relations of which they are part – highlighting the limitations of both technological solutions and the blanket condemnation of particular materials. The analysis focuses specifically on plastic packaging, exploring the interplay of technological innovation and consumer practices to better account for processes of change. Our arguments are advanced through reference to three case studies: the launch of a ‘roast in the bag’ chicken by a food retailer, the switch to compostable packaging by a potato crisps (chips) brand, and the refilling of plastic bottles by a cosmetics company. Particular attention is paid to the relationships between commercial, environmental and regulatory concerns. To conclude, we consider implications of the approach presented here for transdisciplinary and policy debates about the problems associated with single-use plastics.

近年来，与塑料有关的环境问题已成为全球关注的问题。目前的反应是寻求用其他材料代替塑料，但是目前尚不清楚这些替代品能否带来更好的环境效果。迫切需要对塑料，它们在社会中的作用及其对环境的影响有更细微的了解。借助强调材料与社会共同发展的社会科学观点，本文概述了针对塑料和社会变革的社会技术方法。从这种观点来看，塑料是根据它们所处的网络和关系来理解的，这突出了技术解决方案的局限性以及对特定材料的全面谴责。分析专门针对塑料包装，探索技术创新与消费者实践之间的相互作用，以更好地说明变化过程。我们通过以下三个案例研究来提出我们的论点：食品零售商推出“袋装烤”鸡；马铃薯薯片（薯条）品牌转向可堆肥包装；化妆品用塑料瓶填充公司。特别要注意商业，环境和法规问题之间的关系。总而言之，我们考虑了此处介绍的方法对于一次性塑料相关问题的跨学科和政策辩论的含义。食品零售商推出了“袋装烤”鸡，马铃薯脆片（薯条）品牌转向了可堆肥包装，化妆品公司则重新装满了塑料瓶。特别要注意商业，环境和法规问题之间的关系。总而言之，我们考虑了此处介绍的方法对于一次性塑料相关问题的跨学科和政策辩论的含义。食品零售商推出了“袋装烤”鸡，马铃薯脆片（薯条）品牌转向了可堆肥包装，化妆品公司则重新装满了塑料瓶。特别要注意商业，环境和法规问题之间的关系。总而言之，我们考虑了此处介绍的方法对于一次性塑料相关问题的跨学科和政策辩论的含义。