A new global analysis of the plastic life cycle revealed that less than 10% of the plastic produced worldwide comes from recycled material. Despite public recycling commitments by large companies, supermarkets, and beverage manufacturers, the majority of plastic is still made from fossil fuels, primarily oil and coal.
The research, published in Communications Earth & Environment, examined the 400 million tons of plastic produced in 2022, with the aim of supporting the reduction of plastic pollution and encouraging sustainable waste management.
From just 2 million tons manufactured in 1950, plastic production has skyrocketed. Projections indicate it could reach 800 million tons annually by 2050, intensifying the negative impacts on the environment, the economy, and public health.
A Growing Global Problem
The study, led by Quanyin Tan, revealed that only 38 million tons of plastic (9.5%) were produced from recycled material in 2022, while 98% of the remaining 362 million tons were manufactured from fossil resources.
Furthermore, a worrying increase in the incineration of plastic waste was observed, while only 27.9% was actually recycled.
Who consumes the most plastic?
Although China leads in total plastic production and consumption, the United States is the largest per capita consumer, with an average of 216 kg per person per year. Japan (129 kg) and the 28 countries of the European Union (86.6 kg per capita) follow. Overall, landfills remain the main destination for plastic waste worldwide, accumulating more than 103 million tons (40%).
Progress and Obstacles Toward a Global Treaty
In response to this crisis, negotiations are underway for an international treaty on plastic waste. More than 100 countries have expressed support for a draft that includes legally binding reductions in the production and phasing out of single-use plastics and hazardous chemicals.
However, negotiations held in December in Busan, South Korea, failed to make significant progress. Fossil fuel-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia blocked attempts to impose limits on plastic production, raising concerns about the future of the agreement.