The Plastics Industry Association has launched the "Recycling is Real" campaign to debunk claims by environmental groups that plastic recycling is ineffective. While PIA supports policies to boost recycling rates, Beyond Plastics President argues that plastics recycling in the U.S. has never surpassed 10%. The debate underscores the struggle to balance recycling promotion with reduced production and regulation.
Large quantities of microplastics have been found in remote marine protected areas, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution. Marine bioplastics, derived from marine organisms, offer a promising solution to plastic pollution. While challenges remain, policies and consumer awareness are vital in driving the widespread adoption of marine bioplastics and creating a more sustainable and circular economy.
A new study revealed that bottled water contains an average of 240,000 plastic fragments per one-liter bottle, many of which are "nanoplastics" less than one micrometre in size. Previous studies only considered larger plastic pieces, leading to potential underestimation of health risks. This finding raises concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on human health.
Plastic production has skyrocketed, reaching over 400 million metric tons annually and potentially hitting 1.1 billion by 2050. This surge contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over 3% of global emissions in 2019. The United States plays a major role in this trend, with plans to increase emissions by 94 million tons by 2029.
A French company has developed a revolutionary enzymatic recycling method, utilizing PET hydrolase to break down all forms of PET plastic waste and textiles at the molecular level. The resulting new polymers maintain quality through multiple recycling cycles, offering a sustainable solution to the global waste problem. Plans for a commercial-scale operation are underway.
Nations are in talks to establish the first global plastic pollution treaty, but disagreements persist over reducing plastic production versus emphasizing recycling. Major oil-producing countries are accused of resisting stronger action, prompting calls for legally binding commitments to cut excessive plastic use. Negotiators aim to finalize an agreement to address the growing plastic waste crisis.
Researchers used an Earth system model to study the climate impact of plastic pollution. Their simulations showed that the leaching of organic carbon from plastic would have only a minimal effect on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, with plastic production contributing 4.5% of global emissions, efforts to limit plastic manufacturing could be more effective in reducing emissions.
The Trash Economy 