Plastic pollution can be reduced by 80% by 2040, according to UN

O UNEP report (🇬🇧) was released before the second round of negotiations in Paris (*) on a global agreement to combat plastic pollution – which will take place from May 29 to June 2, 2023 – and describes the magnitude and nature of the changes needed to end plastic pollution plastic pollution and create a circular economy.

The UN body's analysis focuses on solutions and analyzes concrete practices, market changes and public policies to inform government decisions and business action.

Market changes

The report suggests first eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastics to reduce the size of the problem. Subsequently, the document calls for three changes in the market – reusing, recycling and repurposing and diversifying products:

• Reuse: Promoting reuse options, including refillable bottles, bulk dispensers, deposit schemes, packaging take-back schemes, etc., can reduce plastic pollution by 30% by 2040. To realize its potential, governments must help create stronger business models for reusables.
• Recycle: Reducing plastic pollution by another 20% by 2040 may be possible if recycling becomes a more stable and profitable venture. Removing fossil fuel subsidies, applying design guidelines to improve recycling, and other measures could increase the share of economically recyclable plastics from 21% to 50%.
• Refocus and diversify: Carefully replacing products such as plastic packaging, sachets and takeaway packaging with products made from alternative materials (such as paper or compostable materials) can provide an additional 17% reduction in plastic pollution.

Even with these measures, 100 million tonnes of plastics from short-lived, single-use products will still need to be addressed annually and safely by 2040 – along with a significant legacy of plastic pollution in the environment. To achieve this, actions are necessary such as defining design and safety standards for the disposal of non-recyclable plastic waste, as well as their implementation, and holding manufacturers responsible for products that release microplastics, among others.

Benefits of a circular economy

What is the Circular Economy?

A circular economy is an economic system based on the principle of maximizing the value and utility of resources, minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact.

Overall, the shift to a circular economy would result in savings of $1,27 trillion, considering recycling costs and revenues. Another $3,25 trillion would be saved through avoided externalities such as health, climate, air pollution, marine ecosystem degradation, and litigation-related costs.

This shift could also result in a net increase of 700 jobs by 2040, mainly in low-income countries, significantly improving the livelihoods of millions of workers in informal settings.

The report also addresses specific policies, including standards for design, safety, and compostable and biodegradable plastics; minimum targets for recycling; taxes; bans; communication strategies; public procurement and labeling. 

👀 The document can be accessed in full, in English, here

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