Overview
Plastic waste currently represents one of the world's fastest-growing environmental problems. Projections indicate a substantial increase in global plastic use over the coming decades, contributing to this environmental challenge.
Research Context
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060 report provides a basis for understanding future trends in plastic consumption and waste generation.
Findings
- Global plastic use was 460 million metric tons in 2019.
- Global plastic use is projected to reach 1.2 billion metric tons by 2060.
- This projected increase represents a nearly threefold rise from 2019 levels.
- These projections are based on the continuation of current trends.
Why This Matters
The projected increase in global plastic use underscores the escalating nature of plastic waste as an environmental problem. The substantial rise in consumption outlined by the OECD report highlights the scale of the challenge if current trends persist.