While plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, a new OECD report suggests that comprehensive global policies can reduce plastic leakage into the environment by 96 %, by 2040. These policies address the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production, use, and disposal. This balanced approach not only improves waste management and recycling but also reduces the production of plastics, creating economic and environmental benefits compared to less integrated strategies.
Table of Contents
Rising Plastic Pollution Without Intervention
In its recent press release about its latest report, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that at the current rate, global plastic production is expected to grow by 70 %, from 435 million tonnes in 2020 to 736 million tonnes by 2040. The percentage of recycled plastics in production would remain low at just 6 %, while mismanaged plastic waste would rise by nearly 50 %, leading to an increase in polluted rivers, oceans, and land ecosystems.
Advantages of Lifecycle-Focused Policies
Policies targeting every stage of the plastics lifecycle—production, consumption, and disposal—offer a more cost-effective and impactful solution compared to focusing solely on waste management. OECD mentions that lifecycle policies would minimize the need for large-scale investments in waste infrastructure, limiting additional costs to $ 50 billion, beyond business-as-usual spending, compared to $ 300 billion under waste-focused strategies.
Recommendations for a Sustainable Plastics Economy
To achieve near elimination of plastic pollution, the OECD recommends several targeted policies:
- Plastic and packaging taxes to discourage wasteful use.
- Eco-design standards to encourage recyclable and sustainable product development.
- Bans on certain plastics to reduce unnecessary waste.
- Extended Producer Responsibility schemes requiring manufacturers to take accountability for the lifecycle of their products.
Addressing Broader Issues
The report highlights the need for additional measures to address microplastics, hazardous chemicals, and greenhouse gas emissions related to plastics. Tackling these areas ensures a holistic approach to halting plastic pollution while also mitigating risks to human health and the environment.
Conclusion
The OECD report makes a compelling case for a comprehensive, global approach to eliminating plastic pollution. By addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, countries are expected to achieve significant environmental progress with manageable economic impacts. While these strategies offer a clear path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, they require strong international cooperation and ambitious commitments in order to succeed.
You can find the full report by OECD here.
