The global plastics industry: continued growth

As the production of plastics continues to grow worldwide, recycling is the best economic and environmental option.

Global production and consumption of plastics increased from less than 5 million tonnes in 1950 to 260 million tonnes in 2007.

• Over a third is used for packaging, while construction products represent almost a quarter
• Production has increased by more than 500% over the past 30 years
• Per capita consumption of plastic will have increased by more than 50% during the current decade
• Plastic consumption is now around 100 kg per capita in North America and Western Europe, with the potential to grow towards 140kg per capita by 2015