Charting Global Plastic Waste: Where Does It All Come From?

Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, and a closer look at the data from OECD Global Plastics Outlook. reveals a major culprit: packaging. In 2019 alone, packaging accounted for 40% of the 353 million tonnes of plastic waste produced globally. That’s 142 million tonnes of waste tied directly to how we wrap, protect, and deliver products.

The Big Three: US, Europe, and China

When it comes to plastic waste, three regions dominate the conversation—the United States, Europe, and China. Together, they are responsible for 60% of the world's packaging waste, amounting to 84 million tonnes. Here’s the breakdown:

• United States:

  • Total plastic waste: 73 million tonnes

  • Packaging waste: 27 million tonnes

• Europe:

  • Total plastic waste: 69 million tonnes

  • Packaging waste: 27 million tonnes

• China:

  • Total plastic waste: 65 million tonnes

  • Packaging waste: 30 million tonnes

Together, these three regions produce 60% of the world’s packaging waste—84 million tonnes out of the global total of 142 million tonnes.

Why Does This Matter?

The reliance on single-use plastic for packaging highlights a significant opportunity for change. Reducing packaging waste—through innovative materials, circular economy solutions, and stricter regulations—could significantly decrease global plastic pollution.

A Call for Action

As consumers, policymakers, and businesses, we must ask ourselves:

1. Can we adopt more sustainable packaging solutions?

2. Are there opportunities to shift towards reusable or biodegradable alternatives?

3. How can industries reduce overpackaging in products?

   
   

The data makes it clear—targeting packaging waste is a critical step in addressing the plastic pollution crisis.