The amount of plastic waste produced globally was estimated to be *** million metric tons in 2019. Under current policies, this amount is projected to almost triple by 2060. Under the Regional Action plan scenario, the annual amount of plastic waste produced worldwide could fall to *** million metric ton, while the Global Ambition scenario could potentially reduce plastic waste generation to less than *** million metric tons. This could be achieved via several policies, including increased taxes on plastics use, and increasing the global recycling rate to ** percent. This would see the amount of mismanaged plastic waste drop to roughly *** million metric tons, compared with *** million metric tons in the baseline scenario. The amount of plastic leakage into the environment would also be considerably reduced. In contrast, a business-as-usual approach would see the amount of plastic leakage climb to **** million metric tons by 2060.

Global plastics use has increased ******** since 1980, reaching a high of *** million metric tons in 2019. Global plastics use was expected to decrease *** percent year-on-year in 2020. This decline was mainly a result of COVID-19-related lockdown measures, which had a significant impact on plastics production and use. The last notable reduction in plastics use was during the 2008 /2009 global financial crisis. Global plastics use is forecast to continue rising in the coming decades.

Plastic has become ubiquitous in human society, with about *** billion metric tons of plastic produced since 1950. Out of this amount, *** billion metric tons have become waste which either sits in landfills or, even worse, the natural environment. Globally, humans have produced more plastic in the last 15 years than they have in the last 50 years. Due to the rise of oil and gas, packaging has become the largest plastic market as it is often cheaper to produce virgin plastics as a petroleum product rather than recycle plastic.

Plastic and the Environment
Plastic is largely tied to the oil industry as it is both cheap and easy to convert oil into plastics, creating single-use plastics or disposable plastics. Petroleum-based plastics are not biodegradable and often get thrown into landfills. It is estimated that plastic water bottles may take up to 450 years to degrade, however, plastics do not biodegrade into natural substances but rather will continuously breakdown into smaller and smaller particles. These particles, microplastics, have been found in the water and food supply as well as in animals and humans.

This dataset shows the increase of global plastic production, measured in tonnes per year, from 1950 through to 2019.In 1950 the world produced only 2 million tonnes per year. Since then, annual production has increased nearly 200-fold, reaching 381 million tonnes in 2015. The short downturn in annual production in 2009 and 2010 was predominantly the result of the 2008 global financial crisis — a similar dent is seen across several metrics of resource production and consumption, including energy.

Use of single-use plastics by Canadian households.

Plastic consumption is the amount of plastic that is used to produce packaging and items made out of plastic that will be at the end of the life cycle appear within the Municipal solid waste stream.

Plastics use in the United States has grown substantially over the past four decades. Between 1980 and 2019, annual plastic use tripled, surpassing ** million metric tons in the latter year. During this period, plastic use experienced a notable reduction in 2008 during the global financial crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have had a similar impact on U.S. plastic consumption, with projections showing a year-over-year drop of **** percent in 2020. Nevertheless, plastics use is projected to rebound and continue rising over the coming decades.

This dataset consists of 34 transcripts of semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews with households in areas of 4 countries with high/low consumer recycling rates (England, Scotland, Spain, Germany). The aim was to explore how they engaged with the use and disposal of plastic packaging. We looked specifically at social practices within different households as this is a neglected but important site for managing waste. We explored social practices, perceptions, emotions, knowledge, and understandings of plastics packaging (recycling, repurposing, retaining, reusing, refusing). The interviews shed light on the value of plastics recycling which is understood widely but in practice the lived experience of plastics recycling is complex and frequently requires negotiating relationships. Ideas about classification systems and sorting differ considerably for cultural reasons; inter- generational perspectives on the value of plastics are also apparent and better understanding of these issues will help us shed light on the complex social context of circular economies.

Official reporting established under directive 2019/904 of the European Union and the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (SUP Directive) and general statistics on single-use plastics. This includes figures on beverage cups, food containers, beverage bottles, fishing gear and filters for tobacco products.

The data shows the percentage use of plastics in different sectors of the European Union and the annual production volumes of various natural biopolymers from 2024 to 2034. See readme.txt file for detailed information.

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Plastic Waste Management Market Size and Trends

The plastic waste management market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.40 billion at a CAGR of 3% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key drivers. Regulatory bodies and governments are increasingly implementing initiatives to address the issue of plastic waste. This includes the promotion of plastic recycling and the conversion of plastic waste into energy through waste-to-energy solutions. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of awareness and fewer treatment plants. Moreover, the issue of ocean plastic continues to be a major concern, with potential health risks such as immune disorders and cancer. To effectively manage plastic waste, there is a need for increased education and engagement among the public. Recreational activities, such as beach cleanups, can also play a role in reducing plastic waste. Wet waste management services are also essential in collecting and properly disposing of plastic waste. The market is driven by several factors, including increasing public awareness of plastic pollution, stringent regulations, and the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, the use of big data can help optimize waste management processes and improve overall efficiency. Overall, the market is a critical area of focus for businesses and governments alike, as the impact of plastic waste on the environment and human health continues to be a significant concern.

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The market is a critical sector that addresses the growing concern of managing the increasing amount of plastic waste generated globally. Plastic waste poses significant environmental and human health risks, with an estimated 8 million metric tons entering the world's oceans each year. The need for effective plastic waste management solutions is more pressing than ever. Plastic waste management encompasses various stages, including identification, collection, treatment, and disposal. Innovations in plastic waste management technology have led to advancements in plastic waste reduction, recycling, and biodegradation. These solutions are essential in promoting a circular economy and reducing the reliance on single-use plastics. Plastic waste treatment methods include incineration, landfilling, and recycling. Recycling rates have seen significant improvements in recent years, with advancements in plastic recycling technology. However, challenges remain in ensuring the efficient and effective collection and sorting of plastic waste for recycling The adoption of sustainable living practices and the shift towards zero waste have also fueled the growth of the market. Plastic pollution solutions are being explored through various means, including the use of satellite technology for plastic waste identification and monitoring.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Incineration
  Disposal
  Recycling


Geography

  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Europe

    Germany


  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Type Insights

The incineration segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Plastic waste management is a critical issue that requires effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact on the environment, particularly on the ocean. One approach to managing plastic waste is through incineration, a waste treatment method that converts organic materials, including plastic, into ash, flue gas, and heat.

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The incineration segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 13.09 billion in 2018. This process, which utilizes waste-to-energy technology, generates electricity through the heat produced, making it a popular solution in countries with energy demands and limited land, such as Japan. Incineration plants can efficiently manage large volumes of municipal waste, including plastic, and generate significant energy. For instance, in countries like Sweden and Denmark, incineration is a widely adopted practice for managing plastic waste and producing electricity for local grids. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

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APAC is estimated to contribute 52% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market in Asia Pacific

Full dataset of the citizen science data from riversides in Germany collected in the project Plastic Pirates and used within the study "What potential has the EU Single-Use Plastic Directive in reducing plastic pollution at coastlines and riversides? An evaluation based on citizen science data". Litter data for individual sampling sites and metadata can be found within the file. See the main text of the manuscript for a full description of methods for the collection of these data.

This paper provides information on degradable plastics and is intended to provide guidance on potential mechanisms for achieving reductions in plastic bag consumption. It is anticipated that this paper can be used in the Pacific region as a source of information, when trying to devise a strategy for dealing with plastic bags.

China Production: Plastics data was reported at 85,580.000 Ton th in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 84,580.800 Ton th for 2017. China Production: Plastics data is updated yearly, averaging 1,180.000 Ton th from Dec 1950 (Median) to 2018, with 69 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 85,580.000 Ton th in 2018 and a record low of 1.000 Ton th in 1951. China Production: Plastics data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.BA: Industrial Production: Annual.

China Daily Use Plastic Product: YoY: Total Liability data was reported at 4.825 % in Oct 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 5.560 % for Sep 2015. China Daily Use Plastic Product: YoY: Total Liability data is updated monthly, averaging 11.348 % from Jan 2006 (Median) to Oct 2015, with 89 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 46.350 % in Feb 2011 and a record low of 4.825 % in Oct 2015. China Daily Use Plastic Product: YoY: Total Liability data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Industrial Sector – Table CN.BII: Plastic Product: Daily Use Plastic Product.

We collected data in five East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda) on public opinions about different policy instruments to reduce plastic pollution. The questionnaire also included questions on material, internal and inter-relational factors, the level of concern about different environmental challenges, trust in others and in government institutions and socio-demographic characteristics. In order to understand the level of public support of policy instruments that address plastic pollution, respondents were asked for their opinion on (i) “a prohibition or ban on the use of plastic bags”; (ii) “a prohibition or ban on the use of single use plastics such as water bottles, straws and plastic spoons, knives and forks”; and (iii) “increasing the price on single use plastics, for example, by introducing a tax”. The responses were recorded on a Likert scale of 1-5, with 1 as strongly against and 5 as strongly in favor. The survey was performed under informed consent. A survey company based in Kenya was recruited to collect the data. The questionnaire was composed in English and then translated into the following languages: Kenya—Swahili and Somali; Tanzania—Swahili; Uganda—Luganda and Runyanoke; Rwanda—Kinyarwanda and French; and Ethiopia—Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromo and Somali. These translations were performed by native-speaking translators recruited by the company. The interviews were conducted by 26 experienced enumerators and 5 supervisors using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), and all responses were recorded with Kobo Toolbox software. Before conducting the interviews, the enumerators completed a two-day training session on the topics in the questionnaire and various techniques for collecting data using the CATI method. A pilot study was conducted in January 2022 with 200 respondents in each of the five focal countries to test the reliability and content validity of the questionnaire. Additionally, the pilot study enabled refining the questionnaire with feedback from both the enumerators and respondents. The company used its existing national databases of respondents involved in earlier investigations to recruit survey respondents in each of the five countries. Screening questions were used to recruit samples that were representative of the adult population in terms of age, gender and area of residence in the five countries. In total, 7,622 respondents were contacted. Following three reminders, a total of 4,766 responses with complete answers (63% response rate) were collected during March 17–28, 2022, in the five countries as follows: Ethiopia, 950; Kenya, 959; Rwanda, 991; Tanzania, 981; and Uganda, 885. Since questions regarding trust in institutions can be sensitive, we allowed respondents to opt out by answering "don't know". In the data, these responses are treated as missing values. As a result, we currently have 312 missing values for the question regarding trust in institutions. Respondents took between 10 and 23 minutes to complete the survey, with a mean completion time of 16 minutes. Research approval was received from the National Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) in Kenya, and the survey company possesses national research permits for each of the five focal countries. The present data description is related to data descriptions " Public acceptance of policy instruments to reduce forest loss: Exploring cross-national variation in East Africa " and "Public acceptability of policy instruments for reducing fossil fuel consumption in East Africa". The three data descriptions are subsets of the same main data collection, and are part of the Environment for Development (EfD) catalog in the Swedish National Data Service. Each data description with its corresponding dataset contains only the relevant dependent variables for a particular research study. In particular, this dataset does not have questions q4, q5, q6 and q7, q8, q9, q10. Dependent variables for this study are q1, q2, q3. Missing data points are marked with the value 98.

Brazil Production: Rubber & Plastic: Plastic: Packaging Materials: Plastic Garbage Bags data was reported at 454,043.562 BRL th in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 454,228.850 BRL th for 2016. Brazil Production: Rubber & Plastic: Plastic: Packaging Materials: Plastic Garbage Bags data is updated yearly, averaging 253,786.681 BRL th from Dec 2005 (Median) to 2017, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 466,732.238 BRL th in 2014 and a record low of 109,779.000 BRL th in 2005. Brazil Production: Rubber & Plastic: Plastic: Packaging Materials: Plastic Garbage Bags data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Chemical and Petrochemical Sector – Table BR.RHA030: Chemical and Petrochemical: Production: Rubber and Plastic.

This statistic depicts the distribution of single-use plastic production worldwide in 2014, broken down by region. In that year, around ** percent of the single-use plastic produced globally was produced in North East Asia.

Graph and download economic data for Import Price Index (End Use): Plastic Materials (IR12500) from Dec 1984 to Jun 2025 about end use, plastics, materials, imports, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

China Daily Use Plastic Product: YoY: Sales Revenue: Year to Date data was reported at 6.111 % in Oct 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.433 % for Sep 2015. China Daily Use Plastic Product: YoY: Sales Revenue: Year to Date data is updated monthly, averaging 12.319 % from Jan 2006 (Median) to Oct 2015, with 89 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 34.220 % in May 2010 and a record low of 6.040 % in Feb 2009. China Daily Use Plastic Product: YoY: Sales Revenue: Year to Date data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Industrial Sector – Table CN.BII: Plastic Product: Daily Use Plastic Product.