The global "plastic ban" is coming! Learn about the key data

        On March 2, at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, representatives from 175 countries approved a historic resolution aimed at ending plastic pollution and reaching a legally binding international agreement by 2024. The resolution adopted by the meeting is entitled "Ending Plastic Pollution: Towards an International Legally Binding Instrument".

        The resolution decided to establish an intergovernmental negotiating committee, which will begin work in 2022 with the goal of completing a draft legally binding global agreement by the end of 2024. This instrument will reflect the treatment of the entire life cycle of plastics, involving the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need to strengthen international cooperation to promote access to technology, capacity building and scientific and technical cooperation.

        UN Environment Executive Director Inger Andersen said, "Today marks a victory for the planet over single-use plastics. This is the most important multilateral agreement on the environment since the Paris Agreement. It is an insurance policy for this and future generations who may live with plastic but will not be destroyed by it."

        Key data on the plastic economy and environmental impact:

        1. 348 million: Plastic production has soared from 2 million tons per year in 1950 to 348 million tons in 2017, becoming a global industry worth $522.6 billion, with production capacity expected to double by 2040.

        2. 15%: In line with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production, use and disposal will account for 15% of allowable emissions by 2050.

        3. 800: More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by plastic pollution due to ingestion, entanglement and other hazards.

        4. 11 million: About 11 million tons of plastic waste flows into the ocean every year. By 2040, this number may triple.

        5. 55%: By 2040, the transition to a circular economy can reduce the amount of plastic discharged into the ocean by more than 80%; reduce the production of virgin plastic by 55%.

        6. $70 billion: A shift to a circular economy could save the government $70 billion by 2040; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%; and create 700,000 additional jobs.