The amount of plastic waste produced globally was estimated to be 353 million metric tons in 2019. Under current policies, this amount is projected to almost triple by 2060. Under the Regional Action plan scenario, the annual amount of plastic waste produced worldwide could fall to 837 million metric ton, while the Global Ambition scenario could potentially reduce plastic waste generation to less than 680 million metric tons. This could be achieved via several policies, including increased taxes on plastics use, and increasing the global recycling rate to 60 percent. This would see the amount of mismanaged plastic waste drop to roughly six million metric tons, compared with 153 million metric tons in the baseline scenario. The amount of plastic leakage into the environment would also be considerably reduced. In contrast, a business-as-usual approach would see the amount of plastic leakage climb to four million metric tons by 2060.
Plastic use and waste projection scenarios worldwide in 2060, by type
(in million metric tons)
The Regional Action policy scenario models the impact of a policy package to improve the circularity of plastics use and diminish the environmental impacts of plastics. The package ensures that economic growth can continue, while reducing plastic leakage to the environment. It comprises a mix of fiscal and regulatory policies targeting all phases of the plastics lifecycle, but is more ambitious for OECD countries than for non-OECD countries.
The Global Ambition policy scenario explores a very stringent policy package that aims to reduce plastic leakage to near zero by 2060. The package includes the same instruments as the Regional Action policy scenario, but with more ambitious targets. Furthermore, it is implemented more rapidly and globally.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
OECD. (March 6, 2022). Plastic use and waste projection scenarios worldwide in 2060, by type (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316016/global-plastic-waste-outlook-by-scenario/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD. "Plastic use and waste projection scenarios worldwide in 2060, by type (in million metric tons)." Chart. March 6, 2022. Statista. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316016/global-plastic-waste-outlook-by-scenario/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD. (2022). Plastic use and waste projection scenarios worldwide in 2060, by type (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 18, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316016/global-plastic-waste-outlook-by-scenario/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD. "Plastic Use and Waste Projection Scenarios Worldwide in 2060, by Type (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 6 Mar 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316016/global-plastic-waste-outlook-by-scenario/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
OECD, Plastic use and waste projection scenarios worldwide in 2060, by type (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316016/global-plastic-waste-outlook-by-scenario/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited February 18, 2025)
Plastic use and waste projection scenarios worldwide in 2060, by type (in million metric tons) [Graph], OECD, March 6, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316016/global-plastic-waste-outlook-by-scenario/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed