Plastic production has experienced a remarkable increase in the last two decades, doubling its output worldwide.

Alejandro Guillem and Ana María Tone - ITENE

 

This growth has been driven by the exceptional properties, high performance, versatility in its transformation and low cost, which has led to the production of almost 400 million tonnes worldwide and 58.7 million tonnes at European level in 2022, according to data from Plastics Europe in the report Plastics - The Fast Facts 2023. The main sector demanding plastics is the packaging sector, accounting for 39% of all plastics processed at European level.

 

However, this boom is not without its challenges, as increasing consumption brings with it growing concerns about its effects on the environment. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the report Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060, plastic waste will triple between now and 2060 worldwide, reaching some 1014 million tonnes, of which potentially only one fifth will be recycled. This is especially critical in the packaging sector due to its major impact on the plastics sector and the shorter lifetime of products, mainly ending up in landfill or incineration. Faced with this reality, there is an urgent need for action. Despite the many advantages of plastic, it is essential to adopt practices that allow for efficient recycling. This will not only optimise the use of resources but will also contribute to...READING MORE AT https://www.infopack.es/revista/309/index62.html