How often do we come across the topic of recycling daily? We read about it in the media, see symbols on packaging, and pass by recycling bins on the streets. For some of us, recycling might seem obviously important, while for others, it has become just another part of the daily environment—something we notice but rarely take concrete steps to act on. And although recycling is certainly important, it is only one of the last steps in the fight against plastic pollution.
The real significance lies in what happens at the beginning of the plastic lifecycle. The story of plastic begins deep underground, where oil and gas are extracted, transformed into plastic polymers, and shaped into the products we use. This story is not just about the plastic bottles and bags we throw away but everything that happens before those products become waste.
There are many approaches to addressing the plastic pollution problem, and recycling is one of them. But to truly tackle the core of the issue, we must make recycling mandatory on an international level. That’s why negotiators will meet in Korea later this year to continue working on a legally binding agreement to combat plastic pollution.
Every year, the world produces around 430 million tons of plastic, and most of that plastic quickly becomes waste. This growing problem not only threatens our ecosystems but also contributes to climate change and exposes people to harmful chemicals.
To effectively address the problem, we must focus on a lifecycle approach to plastic. This approach is not just another common concept—it’s a systemic approach that covers every step in the life of plastic: from production to use, to the point where it becomes waste.
The lifecycle approach allows us to limit the damage plastic can cause at every stage of its existence. This can include banning single-use products or encouraging the development of eco-friendly alternatives. Governments can regulate the design of plastic products to ensure they can be recycled or reused and don’t simply become another piece of waste.
This approach also considers socio-economic aspects. The plastic industry provides jobs for millions of people worldwide, including many who are involved in waste collection. The lifecycle approach strives to balance ecological needs with socio-economic aspects, such as workers’ rights and access to fair working conditions.
Recycling is important, but it’s not enough. For example, nearly 80 percent of plastic in single-use products is not economically viable for recycling, and more than 2.7 billion people worldwide don’t have access to basic waste collection services. To truly understand and address the plastic pollution problem, it’s important to consider the entire lifecycle of plastic. The lifecycle approach helps us identify key points for reducing environmental impacts and improving socio-economic conditions.
Thinking about plastic should encompass some of the following questions. How are raw materials for plastic sourced and processed? What is their environmental impact? How much energy and resources are used, and what waste and emissions are produced during manufacturing? What is the environmental impact of transportation? How is the product used during its life, and what are its environmental impacts? What happens to the product when it becomes waste? Can it be recycled or composted?
All these questions help us understand that the fight against plastic pollution begins long before the product becomes waste.
