UN Report Reveals Path to 80% Reduction by 2040
According to a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), it is possible to reduce plastic pollution by 80% by 2040 through deep policy and market shifts using existing technologies. The report, titled "Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy," emphasizes the magnitude of the changes needed to tackle plastic pollution and transition to a circular economy.
To achieve an 80% reduction in plastic pollution by 2040, the report highlights three essential market shifts: reuse, recycle, and reorient and diversify products. The promotion of reuse options such as refillable bottles, bulk dispensers, deposit-return schemes, and packaging take-back schemes could reduce plastic pollution by 30% by 2040. Additionally, increasing the economically recyclable plastics from 21% to 50% could lead to an additional 20% reduction in plastic pollution. Finally, replacing products like plastic wrappers, sachets, and takeaway items with alternatives made from materials like paper or compostable materials could contribute to a further 17% decrease in plastic pollution.
However, even with these measures, an estimated 100 million metric tons of plastics from single-use and short-lived products will still need to be managed annually by 2040, along with the significant legacy of existing plastic pollution. The report suggests addressing this issue by implementing design and safety standards for the disposal of non-recyclable plastic waste and holding manufacturers responsible for products that shed microplastics.
Transitioning to a circular economy and adopting the measures proposed in the report could result in significant benefits. It is estimated that this shift would lead to savings of USD 1.27 trillion, considering costs and recycling revenues. An additional USD 3.25 trillion could be saved by avoiding externalities such as health risks, climate change, air pollution, marine ecosystem degradation, and litigation-related costs. Furthermore, this transition could create a net increase of 700,000 jobs by 2040, primarily in low-income countries, significantly improving the livelihoods of millions of workers in informal settings.
While the investment costs for the recommended systemic changes are significant, they are lower than the costs of maintaining the status quo. It is estimated that the necessary investments would amount to USD 65 billion per year, compared to USD 113 billion per year without these changes. Much of this funding could be mobilized by redirecting planned investments for new production facilities that are no longer necessary due to reduced material needs or by implementing a levy on virgin plastic production to support the necessary circular infrastructure. However, it is crucial to act promptly, as a five-year delay could lead to an increase of 80 million metric tons of plastic pollution by 2040.
Operational costs represent the highest expenses in both a throwaway economy and a circular economy. By implementing regulations to ensure that plastics are designed for circularity, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes can cover these operational costs by requiring producers to finance the collection, recycling, and responsible disposal of plastic products.
Internationally agreed policies can help overcome the limitations of national planning and business actions, promote a thriving circular global plastics economy, unlock business opportunities, and create jobs. These policies may include agreed criteria for banning certain plastic products, establishing a cross-border knowledge baseline, defining minimum operating standards for EPR schemes, and implementing other relevant standards.
The report recommends that a global fiscal framework be included in international policies to level the playing field for recycled materials, create economies of scale for sustainable solutions, and establish monitoring systems and financing mechanisms.
Policymakers are encouraged to adopt an integrated approach that combines regulatory instruments and policies across the life cycle to support the goal of transforming the economy. For instance, design rules that promote economic recyclability can be combined with targets for incorporating recycled content and fiscal incentives for recycling plants.
