Alarming Surge in Plastic Production, But Recycling Rate Remains Only 10%

Plastic production across the globe is increasing at an alarming rate, but the recycling rate remains critically low. According to new global data, in 2022 alone, 400 million tonnes of plastic were produced, out of which only 9.5% (38 million tonnes) was actually recycled.

Experts warn that there are major gaps in plastic recycling technologies and policies. A recent report by Earth and Environmental Sciences suggests that plastic production is growing at an annual rate of 8.4%, and by 2050, global plastic waste may exceed 800 million tonnes.

Waste Management Concerns

In 2022, of the 2.68 billion tonnes of global plastic waste generated:

Only 27.9% was even sent for recycling.
Nearly 41% was incinerated.
About 8.4% ended up in landfills.

Shockingly, nearly half of all plastic waste was neither recycled nor disposed of properly.

Human Health and Microplastics

Plastic pollution has now reached every corner of the Earth—from oceans to human bodies. Studies confirm that microplastics are present in the food chain and even in human tissues. This trend poses significant health and ecological risks, including worsening water crises.

Consumption Stats:

Every minute, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased globally.
In 2022, 10.4 million tonnes of plastic bottles were discarded—40% of total plastic waste.
Single-use plastics make up a majority of this volume.

Per Capita Plastic Waste: