Plastic Production In Australia: An Annual Overview

Plastic is a revolutionary material that has allowed us to mass-produce lightweight products and packaging cheaply. However, our current approach to plastic consumption and disposal is unsustainable and harmful to our planet. In this context, it is important to understand how much plastic is produced in Australia each year, as it is one of the top 20 countries contributing to plastic waste globally. Australia's plastic consumption is significant, with the country generating more single-use plastic waste per capita than any other country except Singapore.

Australia's plastic consumption in 2018-2019

Australia's plastic consumption is a significant issue, with the country generating more single-use plastic waste per capita than any other country, except Singapore. In the 2018-2019 financial year, plastic consumption in Australia exceeded 3.4 million metric tons, with New South Wales consuming the most at approximately 1.1 million metric tons. This high level of plastic consumption has severe environmental consequences, as plastic waste endangers marine wildlife, enters the food chain, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Australian government has recognized the urgency of addressing plastic waste and has implemented various plans and policies to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling rates. The National Plastics Plan 2021 aims to phase out all single-use plastics by 2025, with some states, including South Australia, Queensland, and the ACT, already successfully banning certain single-use plastic items since 2021. Victoria and Western Australia are set to follow suit by 2023.

Despite these efforts, recycling plastic is inefficient, expensive, and hazardous, and there is a low demand for recycled plastics. The focus on recovery and recycling alone is insufficient, and policies that directly target the reduction of plastic production and consumption are necessary. The report "Carbon emissions assessment of Australian plastics consumption," emphasizes the need for a systemic response, including reducing plastic consumption, developing alternative production methods, decarbonizing energy inputs, and increasing plastic circularity.

To address the issue of plastic consumption and waste effectively, a combination of government policies, industry initiatives, and consumer behavior changes is required. While Australia is taking steps in the right direction, there is still a long way to go to reduce the environmental impact of plastic consumption and move towards a more sustainable future.

Plastic waste management in Australia

Currently, Australia's approach to plastic waste largely revolves around a "take, make, dispose" model, resulting in excessive landfill and polluted waterways. Approximately 84% of plastic waste ends up in landfills, and only about 13% is recycled, with the remaining 130,000 tonnes leaking into the marine environment each year. This plastic pollution has severe ecological and health consequences, as microplastics and macroplastics contaminate water, soil, and the bodies of humans, animals, and plants.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Australian government has implemented several plans to address plastic waste. These include the 2018 National Waste Policy, the 2019 National Waste Policy Action Plan, the Australian Packaging Covenant, and a goal to recycle or reuse 100% of plastic waste and end plastic pollution by 2040. The National Plastics Plan outlines key actions and milestones, such as phasing out problematic plastics, improving beaches and oceans, and increasing recycling capacity and technologies.

However, recycling alone may not be sufficient to address the plastic waste crisis. Reports suggest that reducing overall plastic consumption is critical, as recycling has a limited impact on emission reduction. To effectively tackle the issue, a systemic response is necessary, including developing alternatives to traditional plastic production, decarbonising energy inputs, and increasing plastic circularity.

To achieve these goals, various strategies are being explored. For instance, CSIRO is studying the financial impacts of changes in the plastics supply chain and identifying recycling options and new bio-derived materials. Additionally, community initiatives, such as national plastic pollution surveys and beach transects, are being conducted to raise awareness and encourage community action.

Australia's plastic emissions

Australia's plastic consumption is a significant contributor to the country's carbon emissions. In the 2019-20 financial year, plastic consumption in Australia created 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, equivalent to the emissions of 5.7 million cars. This figure is projected to more than double to 42.5 million tonnes annually by 2050 if no action is taken.

Australia's plastic consumption varies across states, with New South Wales having the highest consumption in the 2019 financial year, estimated at approximately 1.1 million metric tons. Victoria and Queensland followed, with 893,000 and 689,000 metric tons, respectively. Overall, Australians used 3.4 million tonnes of plastic in 2018-2019, with one million tonnes of this being single-use plastic.

The impact of plastic consumption on emissions is not limited to the use phase; the production, transportation, and waste management of plastics also contribute significantly to Australia's carbon footprint. The current "take, make, dispose" approach to plastic is leading to excessive landfill and harming waterways, with approximately 130,000 tonnes of plastic leaking into Australia's marine environment each year. This is a growing concern as plastic waste in the environment breaks down into microplastics, which are now found in clouds, water, soils, and the bodies of humans, animals, and plants.

To address the emissions associated with plastic consumption, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Reducing plastic consumption, developing alternatives to traditional plastic production, decarbonizing energy inputs, and increasing plastic circularity through improved recycling and waste management systems are all crucial steps. By taking these actions, Australia can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with its plastic consumption and mitigate the environmental impact of this material.

Single-use plastic in Australia

Australia's relationship with plastic is a complex one. On the one hand, the country has taken steps to reduce single-use plastic consumption and waste, with notable actions such as the ban on single-use plastic bags by Australia's two largest supermarkets, which has prevented an estimated 1.5 billion bags from entering the environment. This move has been lauded by the retail industry and environmental advocates alike, with hopes that it will spur further action against single-use plastics. On the other hand, Australia's plastic consumption and waste generation remain significant, with a report commissioned by the Australian Marine Conservation Society and WWF Australia revealing concerning statistics.

The report found that in the 2019-20 financial year, the plastic consumed nationally resulted in 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is projected to more than double to 42.5 million tonnes annually by 2050, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue. Australia's per capita generation of single-use plastic waste is also notable, with the country ranking second only to Singapore. This indicates that despite efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption, there is still much to be done.

One of the challenges in tackling plastic waste is the current approach to waste management. In Australia, 84% of plastic is sent to landfill, with only 13% being recycled. This is slightly better than the global recycling rate of 9%, but it still means that a significant amount of plastic ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and pollution. The issue is not unique to Australia, as 79% of plastic disposed of in 2020 worldwide was managed through recycling, incineration, or landfill. However, the remaining 21% is considered "unmanaged," often ending up in the environment through dumping or uncontrolled burning, posing a serious public health risk.

To address the problem of single-use plastic waste in Australia, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns, encouraging individuals to make more sustainable choices and pressuring businesses to adopt environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. Secondly, improving waste management practices is essential. This includes investing in recycling infrastructure and technologies, as well as promoting circular economy principles to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic materials effectively. Additionally, halting the production of virgin fossil fuel-based plastics can significantly reduce emissions associated with plastic production.

While Australia has made some progress in reducing single-use plastic consumption, the country still has a long way to go. By learning from successful initiatives in other parts of the world, such as the single-use plastic ban in Europe, Australia can develop comprehensive strategies to address this pressing environmental issue. A collaborative effort between government, industries, and individuals is necessary to drive systemic change and create a more sustainable future for Australia and the planet.

Australia's plastic consumption by state

Australia's annual plastic consumption is staggering, with a total of 3.4 million tonnes of plastics used in 2018-2019. Of this, an estimated 1 million tonnes were single-use plastics, and 70 billion pieces were soft "scrunchable" plastics, including food wrappers. This massive consumption has severe environmental consequences, with approximately 130,000 tonnes of plastic leaking into Australia's marine environment each year.

When examining plastic consumption by state, New South Wales leads the way. In the financial year 2019, New South Wales consumed approximately 1.1 million metric tons of plastic, significantly higher than other states. Victoria followed with 893,000 metric tons, while Queensland consumed 689,000 metric tons. These figures highlight the prevalence of plastic usage in these states.

The high consumption of plastic in New South Wales can be attributed to several factors. As the most populous state in Australia, a large proportion of the country's consumer packaging is used in this state. Additionally, New South Wales is a hub for various industries, including manufacturing and retail, which rely heavily on plastic for packaging and production.

In contrast, Queensland's plastic consumption, while still substantial, is relatively lower. Queensland has a smaller population than New South Wales, which likely contributes to its lower plastic usage. Additionally, Queensland has actively promoted initiatives to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling rates, which may have influenced consumption patterns.

Victoria, the second-highest consumer of plastic, is also taking steps to address its plastic consumption. The state has implemented programs to reduce single-use plastic waste, particularly in the food and beverage industry, which is a significant contributor to plastic waste nationwide. These state-based initiatives are crucial in combating Australia's overall plastic consumption and its environmental impact.

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