The Global Plastic Pandemic

Plastic pollution is a global scourge. From the Americas and Asia-Pacific (APAC) to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), each region faces unique challenges to control and contain this very useful, but very problematic, material.

Production and Waste

Across the globe, the production and consumption of plastic is outpacing our ability to manage it responsibly.

The Americas, while producing less plastic than manufacturing hubs like China, grapple with abysmal recycling rates (5-9%) and a heavy reliance on landfills and incineration.

Similarly,  Latin American nations battle imported plastic waste from developed nations, overwhelming existing systems.

APAC meanwhile, is the undisputed leader in plastic production. But many of its countries lack robust waste management infrastructure, resulting in alarming levels of plastic pollution. Australia is the notable exception, still with a high consumption rate but with a much a stronger drive towards effective recycling than the other nations in the region.

Challenges to Recycling

The struggles with inconsistent sorting methods, limited recycling capabilities, and contamination diminishing the value of recovered materials, is felt everywhere.

Economics often favor virgin plastic production over plastic reuse, hindering investment in recycling technology and infrastructure while sending vast quantities of plastic to landfill, the oceans and the atmosphere.

Policy Patchwork

Legislative progress is uneven. Bans on single-use plastic have gained traction, especially in Latin America and Europe.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, holding manufacturers accountable for their packaging's life cycle, are emerging but vary in effectiveness. Laws in Canada and the EU support some EPR schemes, while parts of the Middle East and Africa lag in adopting this approach.

Lawsuits against major plastic polluters are gaining ground, with the U.S. leading the trend. However, this tactic is still nascent in the APAC and EMEA regions. Growing public awareness and evolving environmental laws could change this, particularly in nations with weaker regulations.

Regional Specifics

‍Imports Swamp Systems

‍China's 2017 ban on plastic waste imports had global repercussions. Nations across APAC, the  Middle East, and Africa became destinations for waste from developed countries, straining local systems.

Production Powerhouse

‍The APAC region, particularly China, dominates global plastic manufacturing. This economic strength is marred by significant domestic waste generation and contributions to pollution throughout the region.

Signs of Hope

‍Bans, public awareness campaigns, and EPR schemes in some nations, like Chile, demonstrate progress and provide models for replication and improvement.

Global Solutions for a Global Problem

The plastic crisis demands actions that go beyond recycling alone. Here's where the focus must lie:

Curbing Production

‍Wide-ranging bans on unnecessary plastics, incentivizing reusables, and taxing virgin plastic production to level the economic playing field.

Transforming Waste Management

‍Investment in modern sorting facilities and advanced recycling technologies capable of handling diverse plastic types.

Behavior Change

‍Public campaigns promoting mindful consumption, proper disposal, refillable options, and holding corporations responsible.

Producer Responsibility

‍Expanding and enforcing EPR schemes globally, pushing for eco-friendly design and lifecycle management by manufacturers.

Collaboration is Key

‍International treaties, waste management standards, shared research on solutions, and joint efforts can help ensure no region is burdened with the waste of another.

Conclusion

The plastic crisis is a complex, multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By recognizing shared struggles and learning from localized successes, the global community can forge a united front against plastic pollution. Coordinated efforts to reduce production, responsibly manage waste, and foster a culture of sustainability are critical for a future where plastic is no longer a threat to our planet.

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DOWNLOAD FULL PDF

Read and download our dedicated regional guides to the Plastic Pandemic:

‍The Americas, APAC and EMEA.

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Sources (and interesting further reading)

• _{Statista - Consumption volume of plastics in the United States from 1980 to 2019; Share of Global Plastic Materials Produced by Latin America, 2014 - 2021}
• _{Gitnux - US Plastic Production Statistics}
• _{Greenpeace - Circular Claims Fall Flat Again}
• _{National Geographic - Most Plastic Isn't Recyclable; How to solve the plastic problem}
• _{ClientEarth - Plastics on Trial} 
• _{UN Environment Programme - Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability}
• _{World Wildlife Fund - Solve our Plastic Problem}
• _{Oceana Canada - Canada’s Plastic Pollution}
• _{Government of Canada - Reducing Plastic Waste; Regulations}
• _{Pressenza - Latin America, the US’s  New Plastic Dumping Ground}
• _{Euromonitor - Rubber and Plastic in Latin America}
• _{World Bank - Addressing Marine Plastics in Latin America and the Caribbean}
• _{UNEP - Policies, Regulations and Strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean to Prevent Marine Litter and Plastic Waste‍}
• _{Statista - Plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region} 
• _{World Bank - East Asia and Pacific Ocean Pollution‍}
• _{United Nations - Identifying plastic waste leakage hotspots and flows in South-East Asia‍}
• _{UNEP - National Guidance for Plastic Pollution Hotspotting and Shaping Action‍}
• _{DCCEEW - 2025 Packaging Targets‍}
• _{Australia Institute - Plastic Waste  ‍}
• _{Ellen MacArthur Foundation - Rethinking the Future of Plastics‍}
• _{Ocean Conservancy - Stemming the Tide of Accountability‍}
• _{European Environment Agency (EEA) - Plastics, the circular economy and Europe's environment‍}
• _{UN Environment Programme (UNEP) - West Asia: State of the Environment and Outlook Report}