Plastic Production: Impact Of Recycling And Future Steps

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. Despite the fact that less than 10% of the plastic used worldwide is recycled, global plastic consumption reached 547 million tonnes in 2020, with China accounting for 36% of consumption. Without intervention, plastic consumption is projected to increase to 749 million tonnes by 2050. However, there is hope for change. A combination of measures, including a global cap on plastic production, investing in waste infrastructure, implementing a packaging tax, and a recycling mandate, could significantly reduce plastic waste and emissions. Introducing a ban on single-use plastic and a reuse mandate are also potential solutions to curb plastic consumption and tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution.

Plastic production and plastic use have doubled since 2000

The rapid growth of the plastic industry is largely fuelled by the availability of cheap shale gas and growing investments from the fossil industries. Plastic is a relatively new invention in human history, with the first examples dating back to the late 1800s. Its versatility and low production cost have made it one of the most widely used materials of modern times.

Over half of the plastic ever manufactured has been produced since 2000, and we are set to double our current global annual production by 2050. Only about 9% of the plastics ever produced have been recycled, and 12% have been incinerated.

To tackle the plastic waste problem, a global cap on plastic production, investment in waste infrastructure, a packaging tax and a recycling mandate could reduce mismanaged plastic waste by up to 91% by 2050 and decrease plastics-related emissions by about a third. Introducing a ban on single-use plastics could also lower consumption by 98 million tonnes, and a reuse mandate could reduce plastic packaging by 74 million tonnes by 2050.

Less than 10% of plastic used worldwide is recycled

Plastic production and plastic use have doubled since 2000, and less than 10% of the plastic used worldwide is recycled. The world is producing twice as much plastic waste as two decades ago, with the bulk of it ending up in landfill, incinerated or leaking into the environment.

The OECD's first Global Plastics Outlook shows that rising populations and incomes are driving a relentless increase in the amount of plastic being used and thrown away, and policies to curb its leakage into the environment are falling short. Almost half of all plastic waste is generated in OECD countries.

In 2020, annual global plastic consumption reached 547 million tonnes, 86% of which was virgin plastic and 14% recycled plastic. China was the largest consumer of plastics, accounting for 36% of consumption, followed by Majority World (28%), the EU (18%) and North America (18%). Without intervention to curb production, plastic consumption would increase to 749 million tonnes by 2050. However, interventions could have a significant effect, according to a report. For example, a ban on single-use plastic to tackle packaging waste would lower consumption by 98 million tonnes, and a reuse mandate (like a deposit return scheme) could reduce plastic packaging by 74 million tonnes by 2050.

Global production of plastics from recycled – or secondary – plastics has more than quadrupled from 6.8 million tonnes in 2000 to 29.1 million tonnes in 2019, but this is still only 6% of the size of total plastics production. More needs to be done to create a separate and well-functioning market for recycled plastics, which are still viewed as substitutes for virgin plastic. Setting recycled content targets and investing in improved recycling technologies could help to make secondary markets more competitive and profitable.

Packaging consumption tax could reduce waste by 145m tonnes

Plastic production and plastic use have doubled since 2000, and less than 10% of the plastic used worldwide is recycled. Without intervention, plastic consumption is projected to increase to 749 million tonnes by 2050. However, a packaging consumption tax could reduce waste by 145 million tonnes.

A study published in the journal Science found that combining four measures could reduce mismanaged plastic waste by up to 91% by 2050 and decrease plastic-related emissions by about a third. These measures include a global cap on plastic production, investing in waste infrastructure, using a packaging tax, and a recycling mandate.

Introducing a ban on single-use plastic to tackle packaging waste would lower consumption by 98 million tonnes, and a reuse mandate (like a deposit return scheme) could reduce plastic packaging by 74 million tonnes by 2050.

The EU has already introduced a levy that requires member states to pay €800 per tonne of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled. This levy has been supported by voters, who also back stronger measures to crack down on plastic waste, such as legislated waste reduction targets and laws requiring plastic products to contain recycled material.

The UK has also introduced a plastic packaging tax, which applies to all businesses that manufacture or import more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging per year. This tax is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of recycled materials in packaging production.

Banning single-use plastics could lower consumption by 98m tonnes

Plastic production and plastic use have doubled since 2000, and less than 10% of the plastic used worldwide is recycled. Annual global plastic consumption reached 547m tonnes in 2020, 86% of which was virgin plastic and 14% recycled plastic. Without intervention, plastic consumption is predicted to increase to 749m tonnes by 2050. However, a ban on single-use plastics could lower consumption by 98m tonnes.

China was the largest consumer of plastics in 2020, accounting for 36% of consumption, followed by the Majority World (28%), the EU (18%) and North America (18%). While China’s plastic consumption is likely to peak in 2030 and then decrease, consumption in North America and the Majority World is predicted to grow.

To tackle packaging waste, a packaging consumption tax would reduce waste by 145m tonnes. A ban on single-use plastics would lower consumption by 98m tonnes, and a reuse mandate (like a deposit return scheme) could reduce plastic packaging by 74m tonnes by 2050.

Single-use plastic is a leading cause of the world’s plastic pollution. Everything from disposable straws, cups, bottles and shopping bags have contributed to approximately 130 million tonnes of waste. This waste is incinerated, buried in landfill, or disposed of directly into the sea. As plastics don’t biodegrade, they gradually break down into microplastics that harm the environment, damaging habitats and contributing to climate change.

In response, many countries have started to impose bans on single-use plastic to varying extents. The EU has attempted to enshrine these practices in law, but has seen little compliance among its member states. Dozens of U.S. cities and many institutions (from schools to theme parks) have decided to outlaw plastic straws. Plastic bag bans are also catching on, with at least 12 states (and hundreds of cities) having passed such laws so far.

A reuse mandate could reduce plastic packaging by 74m tonnes by 2050

Plastic production and plastic use have doubled since 2000, and less than 10% of the plastic used worldwide is recycled. Without intervention, plastic consumption is predicted to increase to 749 million tonnes by 2050. However, a reuse mandate could reduce plastic packaging by 74 million tonnes by 2050.

A reuse mandate, such as a deposit return scheme, could be a key instrument in reducing plastic waste. This would require value chains to reorganise in order to provide consumers with cost-effective, sustainable and convenient packaging solutions. Logistics, technology, product design and communications all need to come together to secure market share for reuse models.

A combination of four measures; a global cap on plastic production, investing in waste infrastructure, using a packaging tax and a recycling mandate could reduce mismanaged plastic waste by up to 91% by 2050, and decrease plastics-related emissions by about a third.

Introducing a ban on single-use plastic to tackle packaging waste would lower consumption by 98 million tonnes. Packaging redesign could also reduce global plastic demand by 20% by 2050.

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