Global plastic production reaches 370 million tons with very low recycling rates
In short: A review of plastic pollution trends found that in 2019, global plastic production reached 370 million tons. However, the study highlights a massive management gap, noting that only 9% of this plastic was recycled and 12% was incinerated, leaving the vast majority to accumulate in landfills or leak into natural ecosystems.
By summarizing current scientific understanding, the researchers linked plastic pollution to threats against ecosystem services and sustainable development goals. They emphasized that addressing this crisis requires a shift toward a circular economy and life cycle assessments. However, the paper is a review of existing literature rather than a new experimental study.
Why it matters: The massive gap between plastic production and recycling poses a significant threat to global ecosystems.
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