Global plastic production: in 2021, the world produced approximately 390 million metric tons of plastic.
Source: Our World in Data

Plastic waste generation: over 300 million tons of plastic waste are generated each year globally.
Source: UN Environment Programme

Recycling rate: only about 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled.
Source: National Geographic

Landfill and incineration: around 79% of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment, and about 12% is incinerated.
Source: Science Advances

Plastic pollution in oceans: at least 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year.
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Plastic packaging waste: plastic packaging accounts for nearly half of all plastic waste globally.
Source: The Guardian

Single-use plastics: single-use plastics represent over 40% of total plastic waste.
Source: National Geographic

Energy savings: recycling one ton of plastic saves the equivalent of 5,774 kWh of energy.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Recycling capacity: the U.S. has a recycling capacity of about 2.8 million tons per year, but generates about 35 million tons of plastic waste annually.
Source: Plastic Pollution Coalition

Economic impact: the global plastic recycling market was valued at approximately $45 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow significantly.
Source: Grand View Research

These statistics highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with plastic recycling.