The Plastic Problem: Oil's Dark Secret

Plastic production is a major consumer of oil. In 2010, around 191 million barrels of oil were used for plastic production, with the International Energy Agency predicting that plastics will make up nearly 50% of oil demand by the 2050s. In 2012, plastics accounted for 4% of global oil production, a figure that may have risen to 5-6% in 2019.

In 2010, 191 million barrels of oil were used to make plastic

The amount of oil used to produce plastic varies depending on the type of plastic and its intended use. For example, the U.S. alone uses about 12 million barrels of oil annually to produce plastic bags. This number does not include the oil used to produce other types of plastic products, such as packaging for consumer goods like electronics, fruit, and drinks.

The portion of oil that goes towards plastic production averages between 4% and 6% in Europe, with worldwide averages sitting around 6%. However, it is difficult to track exactly how much oil goes into unique plastic products, as there are infinite ways to use and produce them.

Despite the high demand for oil-based plastics, there is a growing movement to reduce plastic consumption and find alternative materials. This is evident in the efforts of various governments, particularly in Europe and Asia, to wage a "war on plastics".

The International Energy Agency predicts that by the 2050s, plastic will make up 50% of oil demand

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by the 2050s, plastic will make up almost 50% of oil demand. This is a significant increase from the current demand, which is estimated to be around 4-6% worldwide, with some sources placing the figure at 4% in 2012 and others at 6% in 2019.

The IEA's prediction is based on the expectation that the rapid growth of emerging economies, such as India and China, will propel demand for petrochemical products. Petrochemicals are expected to account for more than a third of global oil demand growth by 2030 and nearly half of demand growth by 2050. This means that by the 2050s, the global supply of crude oil may only meet our demands through mid-century.

The production of plastic and oil demand are closely linked, and plastic made from oil drives a huge demand in the oil industry. For example, during the 1973 U.S. oil crisis, when oil became scarce and expensive, plastic production slowed down due to a lack of raw materials.

The exact amount of oil that goes into plastic production is difficult to track, as plastic can be used for a wide variety of products, from produce bags to clothing and garbage bags. However, we know that in 2010, around 191 million barrels of LPG and NGL were used for plastic production worldwide, and as of 2019, 9 million barrels of oil were used daily to make plastics.

In 2012, plastic accounted for 4% of global oil production

The amount of oil used in plastic production varies across the world. In Europe, the portion of oil used for plastic production averages between 4% and 6%. Worldwide, the average is around 6%.

The United States alone uses about 12 million barrels of oil a year to produce plastic bags. This is a small fraction of the oil used for plastic production in the country, with LPG and NGL accounting for around 2.7% of the country's total petroleum consumption in 2010.

The International Energy Agency predicts that the demand for oil for plastic production will outstrip the global supply of crude oil by the middle of the century.

In 2019, the figure may have risen to 5-6%

In 2010, the International Energy Agency put the number of barrels of oil used in plastic production at around 191 million a year, or around half a million a day. The portion of oil that goes towards plastic production averages between 4% and 6% in Europe, and the best estimates for the worldwide average sit at around 6%.

In 2012, plastics accounted for 4% of global oil production. It is possible that this figure may have risen to 5-6% in 2019. This would mean that the number of barrels of oil used in plastic production could have risen to 199-229 million a year.

The International Energy Agency predicts that plastics will make up nearly 50% of oil demand by the 2050s. This is much higher than the current demand, and the global supply of crude oil may only meet our demands through mid-century. Every year, the U.S. alone uses about 12 million barrels of oil to produce plastic bags.

The US uses 12 million barrels of oil a year to produce plastic bags

Plastic production uses a lot of oil. In 2010, the International Energy Agency put the number at around 191 million barrels a year (around half a million a day). In 2012, plastics accounted for 4% of global oil production, but this figure may have risen to 5-6% in 2019.

The use of oil in plastic production is a global issue, and it is not limited to the US. In Europe, the portion of oil that goes towards plastic production averages between 4% and 6%. Worldwide, the average is around 6%. This means that a significant amount of oil is being used to produce plastic, and it is important to consider the environmental and economic implications of this.

The impact of plastic production on the environment is significant. Plastic pollution is a major issue, and the use of oil in plastic production only contributes to this problem. It is important to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and find alternative materials that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The war on plastics has been waged by various governments, particularly in Europe and Asia. However, the demand for plastic remains high, and it is important to address the root causes of this demand and find sustainable solutions.

Frequently asked questions