Global plastic waste

Statistics report on plastic waste worldwide

Global plastic waste

Global plastic waste generation has grown more than seven-fold between 1980 and 2019. Despite plastic pollution gaining increased attention in recent years, including global talks for a treaty expected to curb the impacts of plastic waste around the globe, a business-as-usual scenario has plastic waste generation forecast at over 600 million metric tons by 2040.

This report presents facts and figures about plastic waste worldwide. It covers global plastic production, waste generation, trade, and management. It also includes projections through 2040, as well as the environmental impact of plastic waste, particularly in the world's oceans.

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Table of contents

Overview

6
  • Premium Statistic Plastic production growth worldwide vs population growth worldwide 2013-2023
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic production 1950-2023
  • Premium Statistic Plastic material production share worldwide 2023, by region
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic consumption 2040, by region
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic consumption share 2022, by application
  • Basic Statistic Plastic product average lifespans, by type

Generation

5
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic use 2020-2040, by end-use sector
  • Premium Statistic Plastic waste generation worldwide 1980-2019, by application
  • Premium Statistic Projected plastic waste generation worldwide 2020-2040
  • Premium Statistic Share of plastic waste generation worldwide 2040, by application
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic use and waste projections scenarios 2060

Waste management

6
  • Premium Statistic Projected plastic waste generation worldwide 2020-2040, by management
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic waste management methods 2019, by region
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic waste management methods 2019, by select country
  • Premium Statistic Global mismanaged plastic waste 2019, by destination
  • Premium Statistic Mismanaged plastic waste shares worldwide 2019, by region
  • Premium Statistic Mismanaged plastic waste shares worldwide 2019, by select country

Trade

7
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic waste export value 2010-2023
  • Premium Statistic Global plastic waste export volume 2024, by country
  • Premium Statistic Plastic waste exports from the European Union 2024, by destination
  • Premium Statistic Plastic waste exported from the UK 2024, by main country
  • Premium Statistic Plastic waste export volume Japan 2024, by region
  • Premium Statistic Plastic waste exports from the U.S. 2024, by destination
  • Premium Statistic Plastic waste imports worldwide 2024, by leading country

Pollution

6
  • Premium Statistic Number waste items found in oceans worldwide 2023, by type
  • Premium Statistic Projected stocks of plastics accumulated in aquatic environments worldwide 2020-2040
  • Premium Statistic Projected plastic leakage worldwide 2020-2040, by scenario
  • Premium Statistic Projected plastic leakage reduction 2030-2040, by policy
  • Premium Statistic Main litter types found in oceans worldwide 2021, by environment
  • Premium Statistic Share of ocean plastic waste inputs worldwide 2019, by country
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