The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics

This report presents a vision for a New Plastics Economy, proposing a shift from the current linear model to a circular one where plastics never become waste. It outlines the drawbacks of today's plastics economy, including environmental impacts and the loss of $80-120 billion annually after short use cycles. The report suggests creating an effective after-use plastics economy, reducing leakage into natural systems, and decoupling plastics from fossil feedstocks as key ambitions.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The research method involved synthesizing information from over 180 experts and 200 reports to assess the benefits and drawbacks of plastic packaging. Interviews and analysis were conducted to develop a comprehensive global perspective, propose a roadmap, and identify knowledge gaps for further exploration.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The New Plastics Economy report outlines a vision to transform the global plastic packaging industry from a linear to a circular economy, where plastics are reused and never become waste. It highlights the current system's inefficiencies, including the loss of material value and environmental pollution, particularly in the oceans. The report proposes strategies to improve recycling, innovate materials, and develop new business models. It emphasizes the need for collaboration across industries, governments, and NGOs to create systemic change and capitalize on the economic opportunities of a more sustainable plastics economy.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

Categories: English publication language | Global geographic scope | circular economy | collaboration | environmental impact | fossil feedstocks | innovation | material value | ocean pollution | plastic packaging | recycling | systemic change