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Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global plastic demand shows no signs of slowing
Global plastic production reached approximately 435 Mt in 2020, climbing to around 460 Mt in 2024, and is expected to exceed 500 Mt in 2025. If current trends persist, global production could hit 736 Mt by 2040, a 70 % rise over 2020 levels. Academic modelling further forecasts plastics use could near 884 Mt by 2050. Demand growth outpacing population This surge is far greater than can be explained by population growth alone. Demand remains robust in OECD countries, while rapidly developing regions in Asia, Sub‑Saharan Africa, and Latin America are industrializing and urbanizing fast, driving additional demand. Leading sectors include packaging, which alone made up 36.5 % of global plastic use in 2023 and is projected to grow further with e-commerce expansion. Other major end‑uses include automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and construction. Climate implications of the plastic boom According to OECD modelling, the plastics lifecycle is projected to generate at least 5 %—equivalent to 2.8 Gt CO₂e/year of global emissions by 2040 under business-as-usual. Without policy change, emissions are expected to more than double from 1.8 Gt in 2019 to 4.3 Gt CO₂e by 2060, representing 4.5 % of total global emissions. Waste, leakage, and recycling challenges Despite some gains, recycling remains minimal: historically around 9–10 % of plastic has ever been recycled more than once. Without significant change, plastic leakage into the environment could rise by as much as 50 % between 2020 and 2040, reaching roughly 30 Mt/year, alongside a 47 % increase in mismanaged waste. Global exports of plastic waste have more than halved from 15.6 Mt in 2014 to 6.0 Mt in 2023, largely due to China's 2018 import ban. owever, trade persists—Malaysia, Viet Nam, and Indonesia are now key importers, sparking concern over recycling infrastructure and environmental dumping. Business momentum and industry drivers Oil and petrochemical firms are increasingly pivoting toward plastics to offset declining demand for fossil fuels. Today, approx. 15.4 % of global oil demand is for petrochemicals, set to rise to nearly 19 % by 2035, with expansion in the Middle East and China. Despite a saturated market and price pressure, many energy companies continue to build new chemical plants in pursuit of growth. Policies and pathways for change The OECD's Global Plastics Outlook and Policy Scenarios reports outline that comprehensive global policy action is needed to drastically reduce environmental leakage. Under an ambitious 'Global Ambition' policy scenario, the recycling rate could rise from ~9 % in 2020 to 42 % by 2040, and leakage could be cut by 96 % compared to business as usual. Efforts by the UN Environment Assembly to negotiate a legally binding global plastics treaty are underway, aiming to clamp down on plastic pollution through coordinated international action. Looking ahead: options and imperatives Achieving a sustainable future requires a multi-pronged strategy: Reduce excessive plastic production and single-use items Redesign products for circularity and reuse Invest in recycling infrastructure and waste collection globally Enforce strong standards and participation in international agreements Support innovation in bio-based or more easily recyclable materials Foster behavioural shifts among consumers and businesses The choice is stark: allow plastics demand to climb unchecked—with worsening climate, pollution and waste consequences—or pivot decisively to bend the curve. "Global plastic demand shows no signs of slowing" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Irish Examiner
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach — will countries seize the moment?
Representatives from 175 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, in August for the final round of negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. Non-governmental organisations, academics and industry lobbyists will also be in the room. They will all be hoping to influence what could be the world's first truly global agreement on plastics. The summit, known as 'INC-5.2', follows a failed attempt to reach agreement in Busan, South Korea, late last year. That meeting ended without resolving important issues, despite hopes that it would conclude the treaty process. Now, it's crunch time in Geneva. Either countries bridge their political divides, or risk the whole process falling apart. I've been researching the effects of plastic for more than a decade and have been involved in the UN treaty process since 2022. I've attended several of the negotiations and will be in Geneva next month. The science is clear: we need ambitious action which tackles every stage of the plastics lifecycle, from production through to disposal. But the question is, will countries deliver? CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly agreed to develop a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Since then, progress has been slow. Negotiations have repeatedly stalled over issues such as whether the treaty should limit plastic production or regulate chemicals, how to define terms, and how to fund implementation. While scientists are only beginning to understand the long-term implications for human health, biodiversity and climate, studies show harmful effects of plastics and their chemicals on animals and ecosystems. Industry lobbying has also played a powerful role throughout. At the last round of talks, lobbyists for the petrochemical and plastics industries made up the single largest delegation. They outnumbered representatives from the EU, all of Latin America, the Pacific islands, independent scientists and Indigenous communities. This imbalance threatens to weaken the science-based action that is urgently needed. Although countries failed to reach agreement in Busan, a foundation was laid. They agreed to continue negotiations using the 'chair's text', which is a draft treaty with multiple options still on the table. That document forms the starting point in Geneva. But it remains uncertain whether enough common ground can be found to finalise the text. What's at stake? This treaty is a once-in-a-generation chance to tackle one of the world's most urgent environmental crises. More than 450 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. That figure is expected to double by 2045 if current trends continue Only around 9% of plastic is ever recycled. The rest is landfilled, incinerated or ends up polluting the environment. An estimated 139m tonnes of plastics pollute marine and fresh water. But that could be significantly higher when considering leakages of plastics to land, and from microplastics, which are plastics smaller than 5mm in diameter. Plastic is found in the deepest oceans, the remotest mountains and inside the human body. While scientists are only beginning to understand the long-term implications for human health, biodiversity and climate, studies show harmful effects of plastics and their chemicals on animals and ecosystems. Plastic pollution doesn't respect national borders. It moves through rivers, oceans and air, and gets carried across continents. Global supply chains and waste exports have made this a problem no country can solve alone. That's why a global treaty is essential. Despite this growing urgency, a disparity in positions has hindered progress and continues to divide delegations. Some, such as members of the High Ambition Coalition, a group of countries committed to progressive climate action, want strong rules to cap plastic production, phase out toxic chemicals and hold polluters accountable. Others, often with prominent petrochemical industries, argue for a weaker, voluntary approach focused mainly on recycling and waste management. If these divisions aren't resolved, there's a real risk the treaty will end up being too watered down to make a difference A patchy, fragmented agreement would fail to curb rising plastic production and could undermine the integrity of global action. Between December's meeting in Busan and next month's talks, countries have been holding smaller meetings to try to find compromise. That momentum must now be carried into the final negotiations. Important articles in the draft treaty, including those on chemicals and products, plastic production and finance, remain contested. Whether those provisions are strengthened or diluted will shape the treaty's effects for decades to come. Flexibility will be needed. But leadership is also crucial. Countries that support an ambitious outcome must stand firm and bring others with them. As we approach what may be the final negotiating round, we're at a critical crossroads. The world has the chance to take meaningful action on plastic pollution. Let's not waste it. Winnie Courtene-Jones is a Lecturer in Marine Pollution at Bangor University. This article is reprinted courtesy of The Conversation Read More Government must stand firm on Israel's illegal occupation and genocide in Gaza Strip
Times of Oman
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in UNOC3 in France
Nice: At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France. In Oman's speech, Dr. Al Amri highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's pioneering efforts in preserving marine environments, protecting oceans, and safeguarding marine biodiversity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that Oman was among the first countries to prioritise environmental protection, having issued 'the first legislation to protect marine environments from pollution" 53 years ago. The country has also established 'marine protected areas"* spanning over 90,000 square kilometers to protect endangered species such as humpback whales, sea turtles, and coral reefs. Additionally, Oman has banned all types of plastic shopping bags and set 2050 as its target year for achieving net-zero emissions. He pointed out that Oman launched the 'Oman Blue Carbon Project" to plant 100 million mangrove trees, aimed at carbon sequestration and protecting coastal ecosystems. These efforts have earned Oman high rankings in global environmental assessments, particularly in marine protection rigor and marine biodiversity habitats. Furthermore, Oman was elected President of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) for its seventh session. He reaffirmed Oman's commitment to supporting "SDG 14", which focuses on conserving oceans and marine resources, including backing the 'Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement." Dr. Al Amri also emphasized the need to remind the international community of the oceans' critical role as 'a major carbon sink," stressing Oman's dedication to supporting global efforts to maintain ocean health and sustain marine biodiversity. The conference's agenda included an opening session where Oman presented its national statement, outlining its stance on global marine issues while reaffirming support for SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the Nice Action Plan. The five-day conference features 10 parallel high-level sessions (Ocean Action Panels) addressing various topics, including marine and coastal ecosystems, marine science and capacity-building, ocean financing, and climate action. The event also includes exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational, economic, and scientific activities. The third UN Ocean Conference, running until 13 June, aims to accelerate global action to protect oceans and achieve SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Daily Maverick
05-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Ending plastic pollution is a human and planetary health imperative
An estimated 11 million tonnes of plastics leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, while around 13 million tonnes of plastics accumulate in the soil annually. When you woke up this morning, you did not breakfast on a plate of plastics, and rightly so. Your body is likely to have plastic in it anyway – microplastics, which have been found in the arteries, lungs, brains, placenta and breast milk of people across the world. We still do not know exactly what these microplastics do to our bodies, although new research is emerging all the time. We do know that we did not choose to ingest them. We do know that they do not belong there. And we do know that only ending plastic pollution will stop such plastics from accumulating inside of us. Plastics bring many benefits to humanity – in healthcare, in clean energy technology and much more. Plastic is a useful, durable material that has a role to play in societies and economies, including as we transition to a greener, safer world. The problem is that the way we produce, use and discard many plastics – particularly single-use and short-lived products used for convenience, not necessity – has swamped the world in pollution. An estimated 11 million tonnes of plastics leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, while around 13 million tonnes of plastics accumulate in the soil annually. This pollution gets everywhere – from the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean point, to Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak – and breaks down into ever smaller particles, which sneak into our bodies through food, water and even air. The harm caused by plastic pollution on species, ecosystems and economies is well documented. The costs of plastic pollution could rise as high as a cumulative $281-trillion between 2016 and 2040. We are talking about lost income from tourism, beaches that need to be cleaned up, contaminated rivers, communities flooding as plastic waste clogs drains, fishing communities that are increasingly catching little more than plastic bottles and bags, and more. Ending plastic pollution is clearly a human health, planetary health, economic health and business health imperative. This is why, on World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) and the host nation, the Republic of Korea, are mobilising communities across the globe to #BeatPlasticPollution. Make no mistake: the world is moving to end plastic pollution. More than 90 countries have put in place some form of restriction on single-use plastic bags. Circular economy An initiative by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Unep has committed more than 500 businesses, governments and organisations to creating a circular economy, in which plastics never become pollution. In 2022, at the UN Environment Assembly, the nations of the world kick-started negotiations on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Negotiators are now working hard to deliver a deal at the next round of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, this August. But if we are to turn this global movement into a future free of plastic pollution, we need to apply a circular approach across the full lifecycle of plastics – ensuring that plastic stays in the economy, where it belongs, not in our oceans, our soils or our bodies. Recycling alone will not be enough. Only 21% of plastic today is economically recyclable, defined as when the value of recycled material is high enough to cover the cost of collecting, sorting and processing it. This is part of the reason why only nine percent of plastics are being recycled. We need a complete rethink of how we design, make, use and reuse plastics. Products should be designed to be used more than once and to be recycled at the end of their life. We need to think about shifting to refill systems, and more. The transition must be just: to protect the livelihoods of waste pickers and affected communities, and to find affordable alternatives for poor communities living day-to-day – people who can afford to purchase only small quantities of a particular product or rely on clean drinking water available in plastic sachets. There is work to do, but the rewards of ending plastic pollution will be plentiful: cleaner oceans and lands, healthier people and ecosystems, greater climate resilience, new job opportunities and stronger economies. Governments and businesses have a key leadership role to play, through investment and innovation in new approaches. But every one of us can make a difference. The choices we make can shape industries, shift markets and redefine our collective future. On World Environment Day, do whatever you can, wherever you can, to reduce plastic pollution and help carry everyone towards a cleaner, safer and more prosperous world. DM Inger Andersen is Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep).
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Mali Strengthen Environmental Cooperation Through Strategic Dialogue
Rabat – Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, held extensive virtual talks today with her Malian counterpart Mariam Tangara Doumbia. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to address climate and environmental challenges, advancing joint projects based on solidarity, knowledge transfer, and regional integration. During the meeting, Minister Benali emphasized that under the guidance of King Mohammed VI, Morocco places its relationship with the rest of Africa at the heart of its strategic priorities. She highlighted Morocco's commitment to a new generation of South-South partnerships centered on efficiency, solidarity, and tangible results . Benali also shed light on Morocco's initiatives to promote sustainable development in the region, such as the Royal Atlantic Initiative for the Sahel countries and Mali's active participation in the Sahel Climate Committee, which serves as a crucial platform for regional climate coordination. The Moroccan minister stressed the importance of practical discussions to activate bilateral cooperation, especially in areas of expertise sharing, technology transfer, capacity building, and innovative climate adaptation solutions. She commended Mali's strong commitment to environmental and sustainable development issues, recalling past coordinated efforts, including close cooperation during Morocco's presidency of the UN Environment Assembly. For her part, Minister Tangara Doumbia lauded Morocco's leadership in energy transition, climate financing, and environmental policy governance, recognizing the country's expertise in supporting environmental projects across Africa. She also expressed Mali's keen interest in benefiting from Morocco's experience in renewable energy , waste valorization, and the enhancement of training and capacity-building systems. Tangara Doumbia outlined several pressing challenges facing Mali, notably the energy crisis, solid waste management, water pollution caused by unregulated mining, and rapid degradation of agricultural lands. She emphasized the need for innovative and integrated approaches involving environmental transformation projects and circular economy solutions, particularly converting waste into energy and organic fertilizers to support sustainable agriculture. In response, Minister Benali expressed Morocco's readiness to share its expertise with Mali in these fields and expressed the desire to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, sustainable land management, and the use of renewable energy in agriculture. She pointed to the key role of the OCP Group, through its academic branch with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and its R&D subsidiary InnoVx, in driving research and innovation related to sustainable agriculture and soil management, including desert soils. Both sides agreed on the urgency of accelerating technical discussions between their ministerial teams to establish a cooperation framework on these priorities, aiming to sign an agreement as soon as possible. They also pledged to launch joint field projects focused on waste valorization, climate adaptation, and circular economy development, reaffirming their shared commitment to building a sustainable environmental future anchored in climate sovereignty.
