The Plastic Problem: Our Production Crisis

Plastic is a cheap, versatile and sterile material used in a wide range of applications, from construction to food packaging. Humans currently produce over 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year, with some estimates putting the figure at over 450 million tons. This is a sharp increase from 1950, when the world produced just two million tons. Without changes to current policies, global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by 2060, to one billion metric tons. Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but it is the mismanagement of waste in low-to-middle-income countries that is the most critical factor in plastic pollution.

Plastic production has increased from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to over 450 million tonnes today

Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person. However, what's most important for plastic pollution is how much of this waste is mismanaged. Mismanagement means that plastic waste is not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills, and it is at risk of leaking into the environment. Mismanaged waste tends to be much higher in low-to-middle-income countries due to poorer waste management infrastructure.

It is estimated that 1 to 2 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans yearly, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. This plastic pollution affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and contributing to climate change. Without changes to current policies, global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by 2060, reaching 1 billion metric tons.

To tackle the issue of plastic pollution, a global plastics treaty is needed to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, eliminate products and chemicals of concern, and adopt strong national plans and rigorous reporting and compliance mechanisms.

Rich countries produce the most plastic waste per person

Humans currently produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. This is a huge increase from 1950, when the world produced just two million tonnes.

One to two million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans yearly, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Most of the plastic in our oceans comes from poorer countries, so improving the management of plastic waste across the world is critical to tackling this problem.

Without changes to current policies, global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by 2060, to a staggering one billion metric tons.

Mismanaged waste is plastic that is not recycled, incinerated or kept in sealed landfills

Humans currently produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. In 1950, the world produced just two million tonnes. It now produces over 450 million tonnes.

The amount of plastic pollution is expected to increase significantly by 2040. As plastic pollution is a transboundary issue, a global plastics treaty is needed to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, eliminate products and chemicals of concern, and adopt strong national plans and rigorous reporting and compliance mechanisms. Without changes to current policies, global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by 2060, to a staggering one billion metric tons.

Plastic pollution affects all land, freshwater and marine ecosystems

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. Humans currently produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. Without changes to current policies, global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by 2060, to a staggering one billion metric tons.

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.

Some companies are making the weight of plastic packaging they produce publicly available, as part of their participation in the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. This includes some Aotearoa New Zealand-owned and operated companies, such as Earthwise Group Ltd, who stated that they produce 284 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.

Companies are making the weight of plastic packaging they produce publicly available

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. Humans currently produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. This is expected to triple by 2060, to a staggering one billion metric tons.

Some companies are making the weight of plastic packaging they produce publicly available. This includes some Aotearoa New Zealand-owned and operated companies, such as Earthwise Group Ltd, who stated that they produce 284 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.

The availability of this data is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for greater transparency and accountability in the plastic industry. By making this information public, companies are taking responsibility for their plastic production and packaging choices. This can also help to drive innovation and encourage the development of more sustainable packaging solutions.

Additionally, this data can be used to inform policy decisions and regulations. By understanding the weight of plastic packaging produced by companies, governments and organisations can develop more effective strategies to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates. This is especially important in addressing the issue of plastic pollution, which affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

Finally, making this data publicly available can empower consumers to make more informed choices. Consumers can use this information to support companies that are taking steps to reduce their plastic packaging or choose products with more sustainable packaging options. This can create a positive feedback loop, encouraging more companies to reduce their plastic packaging and increase the demand for eco-friendly alternatives.

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