Flexible packaging plastic waste (FPPW) is an omnipresent waste stream that includes plastic films, bags, flexible food packaging (including mono-layered and multi-layered) and other single-use flexible plastics. Enormous amounts of FPPW continue to flow into the natural environment annually. In this study, the entry routes, fate, exposure and hazardous effects of mismanaged FPPW in various environmental compartments are reviewed, and the research gaps for the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are highlighted. Further, the prominent technological solutions to treat the FPPW are assessed. Finally, holistic approaches are discussed regarding circularity and upcycling of FPPW into useful materials, decarbonisation of the FPPW supply chain, substitution by bio-based and biodegradable plastics, and reduction of demand, in order to mitigate the environmental impacts.

软包装塑料废料（FPPW）是无处不在的废物流，包括塑料薄膜，袋子，软食品包装（包括单层和多层）和其他一次性使用的软塑料。每年有大量的FPPW继续流入自然环境。在这项研究中，对管理不当的FPPW在各种环境区划中的进入途径，命运，暴露和有害影响进行了综述，并着重指出了陆地和水生生态系统的研究空白。此外，评估了治疗FPPW的著名技术解决方案。最后，讨论了有关FPPW的循环性和升级成有用材料，FPPW供应链脱碳，被生物基和可生物降解塑料替代以及减少需求的整体方法，