Recycled Packaging to Cause Notable Dip in Use of Virgin Plastic

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to “The Global Commitment 2021 Progress Report” compiled by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation with input from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the anticipated rise in recycled packaging is expected to result in significant dip in global use of virgin plastic by 2025.

More than 1,000 businesses, governments, and other organisations have united behind a common goal of tackling plastic pollution at its source. The report analyses how these companies are faring against set plastic reduction targets.

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The report states that, after reporting growth for several decades, the use of virgin plastic appears to have peaked and is set to fall faster by 2025. The global plastics market surged from around 2 million metric tonnes in 1950 to over 300 million metric tonnes in 2015.

Although the progress is mainly driven by recycling, it recommends having more focus to be put on eliminating single-use plastics. Also, voluntary initiatives by businesses and countries in support of the global efforts to reduce plastic pollution will not be enough.

Coca-Cola has emerged as a leader in virgin plastic reduction. The company has boosted its recycled content from 2% in 2018 to 4% in 2019 and 11.5% in 2020. A similar commitment from other large retailers would ensure overall reduction in virgin plastic use by 19% by 2025 in comparison with 2018, says the report.