What progress have EMF signatories made so far?

Participating companies have collectively avoided 14 million tons of virgin plastics, tripled recycled content in products, and eliminated 775,000 tonnes of problematic packaging, saving the equivalent of one barrel of oil every second.

What are the key focus areas of the new roadmap?

EMF aims to scale reuse systems, tackle flexible packaging challenges, and enhance recycling and collection infrastructure through global collaboration and supportive policy measures.

What risks does EMF warn about if no further action is taken?

Without stronger action, mismanaged plastic waste could double to 121 million tonnes by 2050, and plastic-related emissions could rise 37%, from 2.45 to 3.35 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation Unveiled 2030 Plastics Agenda for Businesses

Plastic Recycling | 2025-11-05 11:38:47

Without further action, mismanaged plastic waste is predicted to double from the levels of 62 million tonnes in 2020 to nearly 121 million tonnes by 2050.

By Paul Ploumis

Ellen MacArthur Foundation Unveiled 2030 Plastics Agenda for Businesses

Summary

EMF unveiled its 2030 Plastics Agenda, outlining a five-year plan to advance a circular plastics economy through reuse, recycling, and innovation.
Signatories have cut 14 million tons of virgin plastics, tripled recycled content, and removed 775,000 tonnes of problematic packaging, saving one barrel of oil every second.
The Foundation warned that without stronger global action, plastic waste could double and related emissions rise 37% by 2050.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) has launched its 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business, outlining key steps to accelerate the shift toward a circular plastics economy over the next five years.

EMF reported that its signatories have already avoided 14 million tons of virgin plastics, tripled recycled content use, and eliminated 775,000 tonnes of problematic packaging, saving the equivalent of one barrel of oil every second.

The new roadmap focuses on expanding reuse systems, tackling flexible packaging, and building efficient recycling and collection networks. EMF stressed the need for collective business advocacy and policy alignment to drive systemic change and innovation.

Without stronger action, mismanaged plastic waste could double to 121 million tonnes by 2050, while plastic-related emissions may rise 37%, from 2.45 to 3.35 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent.

The Foundation called on global businesses to collaborate in advancing reuse, recyclability, and sustainable production to curb the plastic waste crisis.

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POLL

What is the main goal of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business?

To expand reuse systems and promote a circular plastics economy.

To increase global plastic production and reduce costs.

To eliminate all plastic packaging from consumer markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What progress have EMF signatories made so far?
Participating companies have collectively avoided 14 million tons of virgin plastics, tripled recycled content in products, and eliminated 775,000 tonnes of problematic packaging, saving the equivalent of one barrel of oil every second.
What are the key focus areas of the new roadmap?
EMF aims to scale reuse systems, tackle flexible packaging challenges, and enhance recycling and collection infrastructure through global collaboration and supportive policy measures.
What risks does EMF warn about if no further action is taken?
Without stronger action, mismanaged plastic waste could double to 121 million tonnes by 2050, and plastic-related emissions could rise 37%, from 2.45 to 3.35 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent.