Plastic Consumption on Course to Nearly Double by 2050

Brazil, the United States, Indonesia, and Turkey are among the G20 nations that still need to enact nationwide restrictions on single-use plastic products, according to the research.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): If no comprehensive and binding worldwide deal to reduce consumption is drafted, plastic use in G20 nations will almost double by the middle of the century, according to research released on Monday.

Back to Blue, a research team run by the Nippon Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, and the Economist Impact think-tank, claim that existing programs to increase recycling or reduce the use of single-use plastics have only 'scratched the surface' and that a more thorough global strategy is needed.

In order to create a binding agreement by the end of next year, the United Nations began talks on a deal to address plastic pollution in Uruguay in November. Up to 175 nations have agreed to participate in the discussions. But, according to Back to Blue, if negotiations fail, annual plastic production in G20 nations could increase to 451 million tonnes by 2050 - up nearly three-quarters from 2019.

'There should be no illusions that the treaty negotiations will be anything but difficult and treacherous,' the research group said. 'The chances of failure - not just that no treaty emerges but one that is too weak to reverse the plastic tide - are considerable.'

It called for a stricter restriction on single-use plastics, as well as increased production taxes, mandated programs to hold companies accountable for managing the entire product lifecycle, including recycling and disposal, and more. According to Back to Blue, the combined initiatives might reduce annual usage to 325 million tonnes by 2050, but that would still be up from 2019 levels and equal to 238 million full garbage trucks.

Brazil, the United States, Indonesia, and Turkey are among the G20 nations that still need to enact nationwide restrictions on single-use plastic products, according to the research.

 Courtesy: www.124news.tv

• Singapore Scientists Pioneer Safer Recycling Method for E-Waste Plastic
• Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic a Must
• Fire Destroys KL Scrap Yard
• December 24, 2024: Scrap Gold Prices Down, Platinum and Silver Edged Higher on the Index