Page 26 - Plastics News April 2025
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ENVIRONMENT NEWS
The Plastic Paradox: Recycling Myths
and a Growing Crisis
n In 2022, a staggering 400 million tonnes of Efforts to establish a global treaty on plastic pol-
plastic were produced globally, yet only 9.5% lution have encountered resistance, particularly
Ioriginated from recycled materials, according from fossil fuel-producing nations. While over
to a comprehensive study published in Commu- 100 countries advocate for legally binding meas-
nications Earth & Environment. This revelation ures to curb plastic production, negotiations
starkly contrasts with corporate narratives pro- have been hampered by opposing interests.
moting recycling efforts, highlighting a persis-
tent reliance on virgin fossil fuels—primarily coal The pervasive nature of plastic pollution is evi-
and oil—for plastic production. dent in unexpected places. In Amsterdam, Eur-
asian coots have been observed incorporating
The study also sheds light on the fate of plastic discarded plastics into their nests, symbolizing
waste: merely 27.9% was recycled, while 40% the deep infiltration of human waste into natural
ended up in landfills. Alarmingly, incineration habitats.
rates have surged, exacerbating environmental
concerns. Per capita plastic consumption re- Addressing this crisis necessitates a multifac-
mains highest in the U.S. at 216 kg, followed by eted approach: reducing plastic production, en-
Japan and the EU. hancing recycling infrastructure, and fostering
international cooperation. Without decisive ac-
Projections indicate that plastic production could tion, the plastic paradox will continue to under-
double by 2050, reaching 800 million tonnes mine environmental integrity and public health.
annually. This surge poses significant threats to Source: The Guardian
ecosystems and human health, as plastics con-
tribute to greenhouse gas emissions and intro-
duce toxic substances into the environment.
Recycling Revolution: The Rise of
Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics
he global post-consumer recycled (PCR) cling technologies.
plastics market is poised for significant
Tgrowth, projected to surpass $12.54 bil- Corporate Commitments Fuel Demand
lion in revenue by 2025. This surge is driven by Leading multinational corporations are setting
corporate sustainability initiatives, evolving con- ambitious targets to incorporate higher levels
sumer preferences, and advancements in recy- of recycled content into their packaging. For in-
26 PLASTICS NEWS April 2025
