The Plastic Crisis: Annual Production Volume Insights

Plastic is a cheap, versatile and sterile material used in a wide variety of products, from construction to food packaging. Humans are addicted to this nearly indestructible material. In 1950, the world produced just two million tonnes of plastic. In 2023, the worldwide production of plastics reached 413.8 million metric tons.

Plastic production has increased nearly 230-fold since 1950

The proliferation of plastic products in the last several decades has been extraordinary. Humans are producing over 380 million tons of plastic every year, and some reports indicate that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes. It is estimated that more than 10 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year.

The rapid growth in global plastic production began in the 1950s. Over the next 70 years, annual production increased nearly 230-fold. Even just in the last two decades, global plastic production has doubled. The world produces around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste each year.

Plastic is a cheap, versatile, and sterile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging. The versatility of this group of materials accounts for the continued growth in production year after year. One of the main applications for plastics use is plastic packaging.

Plastic waste in the ocean

Plastic production has sharply increased over the last 70 years. In 1950, the world produced just two million tonnes. It now produces over 450 million tonnes. Plastic is a cheap, versatile, and sterile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging.

The world produces around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Estimates vary, but recent high-quality studies suggest that between 1 and 2 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans annually. That means 0.5% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean. The chart shows that around one-quarter of plastic waste is mismanaged, meaning it is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills.

It’s estimated that more than 10 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year. Some reports indicate that up to 50% of plastic is for single-use purposes – utilised for just a few moments, but on the planet for at least several hundred years.

Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution, such as sanitary landfills, incineration facilities, recycling capacity, and circular economy infrastructure. When plastics end up in landfills, they break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them.

Plastic packaging

Plastic production has sharply increased over the last 70 years. In 1950, the world produced just two million tonnes. It now produces over 450 million tonnes. The worldwide production of plastics reached 413.8 million metric tons in 2023. The versatility of this group of materials accounts for the continued growth in production year after year. In tandem with that growth, the market value of plastics also continues to grow. Plastics are used in a wide variety of products and have displaced other materials – such as wood, metal, and glass – that were previously used for the applications that plastics now dominate. One of the main applications for plastics use is plastic packaging.

In 2017, packaging production constituted the highest-demanded use for plastic, with 146 million metric tons used. Plastic is cheap and incredibly versatile with properties that make it ideal for many applications. It is a sterile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging.

However, when plastic waste is mismanaged – not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills – it becomes an environmental pollutant. One to two million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans yearly, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Improving the management of plastic waste across the world – especially in poorer countries, where most of the ocean plastics come from – is therefore critical to tackling this problem. Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution, such as sanitary landfills, incineration facilities, recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure, and proper management and disposal of waste systems. When plastics end up in landfills, they break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them.

Plastic waste management

The mismanagement of plastic waste is a significant concern, with an estimated 1 to 2 million tons of plastic entering our oceans annually. This plastic waste affects wildlife, ecosystems, and the food chain, as it breaks down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil, waterways, and the ocean. To tackle this issue, it is essential to improve plastic waste management practices, especially in poorer countries, where most of the ocean plastics originate.

Proper plastic waste management involves recycling, incineration, and sealed landfills. However, many countries lack the necessary infrastructure to effectively manage plastic waste. This includes a lack of sanitary landfills, incineration facilities, recycling capacity, and circular economy infrastructure. As a result, plastic waste ends up in landfills, where it breaks down and releases toxic particles into the environment.

To address the plastic waste crisis, it is crucial to invest in infrastructure development and promote sustainable practices. This includes improving recycling technologies, developing biodegradable plastics, and encouraging the reuse and reduction of plastic products. Additionally, raising awareness about the impact of plastic waste and promoting responsible consumption can help reduce the demand for single-use plastics and encourage more sustainable alternatives.

Plastic pollution

One of the main issues with plastic pollution is that it ends up in our oceans. It is estimated that between one and two million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, with some estimates reaching 10 million tons. This plastic affects wildlife and ecosystems and breaks down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways. It can also enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest it.

The problem of plastic pollution is particularly acute in poorer countries, which lack the infrastructure to prevent it. This includes a lack of sanitary landfills, incineration facilities, recycling capacity, and proper waste management systems. As a result, most of the ocean plastics come from these countries.

To tackle plastic pollution, it is critical to improve the management of plastic waste worldwide. This includes increasing recycling capacity, developing circular economy infrastructure, and ensuring proper disposal of waste. Additionally, reducing the demand for plastic products and finding alternative materials can help mitigate the issue.

Frequently asked questions