Drowning in plastic debris



Global plastic production reaches 359 million tons, 8 million tons end up in the world’s oceans every year, Bangladesh produces 87,000 tons of single-use plastics waste annually  

The world has seen never before the proliferation of plastic hitting an extreme level with the global plastic production reaching 359 million tons a year now from just 1.5 million tons just 70 years ago in 1950.   

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) stated in a recent report that plastic users across the world tend to think that the plastics they use are being recycled. 

But, in reality, only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled, said ESCAP adding that about 12% has been incinerated, while 79% has accumulated in landfills, dumps, or the natural environment as plastic waste, clogging drains, endangering marine life, and causing health concerns to communities.

“Our relationship with plastic is short term focused. The plastic produced is designed to be single-use. We use it once and then discard it,” noted ESCAP that serves as the United Nations’ regional hub promoting cooperation among countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. 

With 53 Member States and nine associate members, ESCAP is largest regional intergovernmental platform, shedding insight into the evolving economic, social and environmental dynamics of the region.

It quoted a recent research by Plastics Europe to state that the world now produces around 359 million tons of plastic annually, with the global market valued at USD 568.9 billion in 2019 and projected to reach almost USD 1 trillion by 2035. The Asia-Pacific region produces nearly half this plastic and consumes 38% of it.