Plastic Production Rises, Recycling Lags

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World Plastic ProductionGlobal plastic production continues to rise while recycling lags, according to a Worldwatch Institute report.

The report says this trend has been ongoing for more than 50 years — about 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, representing a 3.9 percent increase over 2012. And demand for plastic continues to grow.

However, recovery and recycling remain insufficient, and millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year.

In an attempt to make more sustainable materials such as bioplastics, MHG, the manufacturer of 100 percent biodegradable plastic, last month met behind closed doors with BASF, the largest chemical company in the world, to discuss strategies that would help BASF meet the global demands of society, while also conserving resources, MHG said.

“The meeting with BASF was very productive,” said Dr. Paul Pereira, MHG CEO. “Sustainability is crucial for the future and BASF is looking to develop more sustainable solutions to meet the demands of society. The biopolymers we produce can provide them with materials that will help them achieve their goals of developing more sustainable products that meet economic, environmental and social needs.”

 

Environment + Energy Leader