Global Scans · Plastics · Weekly Summary

• The research comes amid negotiations for a global plastic treaty which could see plastic production curbed in favour of dealing with plastic pollution via recycling. CIEH
• The overwhelming show of public support sends a strong message to the Goverments negotiating the Global Plastics Treaty - the public expects political leaders to address pollution from the full life cycle of plastics, by cutting plastic production and banning single-use plastics. Greenpeace Australia Pacific
• Greenpeace is proposing that the Global Plastics Treaty establishes a target to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 (from a 2019 baseline), to ensure the best chance of meeting the 1.5 °C target, protect biodiversity and address the full life cycle impacts of plastic. Greenpeace Australia Pacific
• Greenhouse gas emissions, plastic pollution, and protein scarcity are existential threats and pose tremendous challenges to Europe and the world. myScience
• In 2050, plastic waste in the ocean will quadruple from 2025 levels, reaching 600 million tons. Freetour.com
• The high reliance on fossil-fuel feedstocks for plastics production will further compromise the global efforts to mitigate climate change. EcoWatch
• More frequent and intense rainfall events in some areas could drive more plastic particles running into fields and eventually waterways. Boston Herald
• Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues globally, as plastics take centuries to decompose, polluting land and water while posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Renewable Carbon News
• Global Plastic Recycling Rate Stagnant at 9%: Study - Global plastic recycling remains stuck at just 9% while plastic production continues to rise, driven largely by fossil fuels and hindered by economic, technical, and infrastructural barriers that threaten climate goals and environmental health. Rising Tides & Political Storms
• In Thailand, the Plastic Waste Management Roadmap 2030 pursues the aim of recycling or energetically using 100% of plastic waste by 2027. PlastikMedia
• U.S. industry is concerned that without viable alternatives for plastic packaging, Canada's proposed reductions in food packaging and packaging compostability requirements could compromise food safety, increase food loss and waste, and restrict U.S. agricultural exports. Bao Quoc Dan
• The deteriorating state of the recycling industry threatens the EU's ability to meet its 2025 recycling targets, which require at least 50% recycling of plastic packaging waste, as stipulated under the Waste Framework Directive and the EU Plastics Strategy. Environment+Energy Leader
• A strong, forward-looking approach to end-of-life vehicles will ensure a thriving European recycling industry that supports both environmental goals and the long-term viability of the plastics industry in Europe. Auto Recycling World
• Legislated recycling targets: The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, adopted in 2024, mandates a 90% separate collection for recycling rate for plastic bottles and cans by 2029. Resource Recycling News
• A million of the world's species are threatened with extinction, while unsustainable farming and consumption destroy forests, deplete soils and spread plastic pollution to even the most remote areas of the planet. The Guardian
• Of the many risks related to plastic pollution, policymakers involved in negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty express most concern about the human health risks associated with plastics and call for measures to reduce production. Greenpeace International
• Plastic Recyclers Europe, which represents European plastics recyclers who reprocess plastic waste, warned of severe consequences across the entire value chain. Circular Online
• The Polymer Center will process recycled plastics collected from homes and businesses in Indiana and surrounding areas. ScrapMonster
• Nine feasible projects, including hydrogen production and plastic recycling, have been identified to create 800 jobs by 2040 and enhance low-carbon manufacturing. oilprice.com
• Jobs could be created in areas like sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen production and plastics recycling but it would require £3.5bn of private investment. BBC News

Last updated: 12 May 2025