A recent study reveals that only 9.5% of the plastic produced in 2022 was made from recycled material, highlighting a significant gap between rhetoric and reality.
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The Plight of Recycled Plastic: A Global Analysis
Just 9.5% of the plastic produced in 2022 was made from recycled material, according to a recent study that analyzed the global plastic supply chain. This finding highlights the significant gap between the rhetoric surrounding plastic recycling and the actual production levels.
Recycled plastic content has become a pressing issue globally.
According to the United Nations, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled annually.
The remaining 91% ends up in oceans and landfills.
Recyclable plastics are made from post-consumer waste, such as bottles, containers, and packaging materials.
These materials are collected, sorted, and processed into raw materials for manufacturing new products.
Increasing recycling rates can help reduce plastic pollution and conserve natural resources.
The Fossil Fuel Factor
Most plastic is made from fossil fuels, predominantly coal and oil, despite claims by producers, supermarkets, and drinks companies about plastic being recycled. In fact, 98% of the remaining 362m tonnes of plastic produced in 2022 were created from these non-renewable resources.
Fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, are the primary source of raw materials for plastic production.
It's estimated that over 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from plastic production and disposal.
The extraction, processing, and transportation of fossil fuels release methane and other potent greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels in plastics manufacturing releases toxic chemicals into the environment, contaminating soil, air, and water.
Plastic Consumption Patterns
Americans consume more plastic per head than any other country, with an average of 216kg per person per year. The US produces 40.1 megatonnes (Mt) of plastic waste, most of it from plastic packaging. Other countries with high per capita plastic consumption include the EU and Japan.
Landfill Dominance
Landfill remains the main destination for plastic waste globally, accounting for 103.37 Mt or 40%. This is a significant concern, as it contributes to environmental pollution and public health issues.
Global Cooperation Needed
Attempts to agree on a global plastic waste treaty have been met with resistance from fossil fuel-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia and Russia. However, talks are set to resume in Geneva in August, with over 100 countries supporting a draft text that includes legally binding global reductions in plastic production and the phasing out of certain chemicals and single-use plastic products.
The Road Ahead
“The study’s findings underscore the need for concerted global efforts to address the environmental and public health impacts of plastic waste.” By promoting sustainable plastic management practices and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we can work towards a more circular economy and mitigate the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
Sustainable plastic management involves reducing plastic waste, reusing materials when possible, and recycling.
Recycling plastics can help conserve natural resources and reduce landfill waste.
In the US alone, over 35 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually.
Implementing extended producer responsibility, where manufacturers take on the cost of waste disposal, can encourage sustainable practices.
Additionally, investing in advanced recycling technologies can improve efficiency and increase recyclable materials.
- theguardian.com | Just 9.5% of plastic made in 2022 used recycled material, study shows
