Analysis Reveals Under 10% Global Plastics from Recycled Sources

Recent studies reveal concerning statistics regarding plastic production and recycling globally. In 2022, only 9.5% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced was derived from recycled materials, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices in the industry. The overwhelming majority of plastic was made from fossil fuels, raising environmental and public health concerns. Additionally, a CSIRO study in Australia showed a 39% decrease in plastic pollution on beaches over the past decade, though cigarette butts and polystyrene remain prevalent. Despite these positive trends, many brands have struggled to meet their sustainability goals for packaging by 2025, highlighting economic challenges. The global plastic waste generated reached 268 million tonnes in 2022, with a significant portion still ending up in landfills or being incinerated, rather than recycled.