Global Scans · Plastics · Weekly Summary

• [New] The draft version of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation that is pending approval includes expanding recycled content requirements to plastic packaging beyond bottles and setting 2040 requirements for plastic packaging. Husky
• [New] Over 50 million people in 11 countries are at risk of exposure to hazardous air pollution from living near plastic linked petrochemical production. Greenpeace International
• [New] Researchers at Illinois' Northwestern University might have a way to largely skip sorting plastic. New Atlas
• [New] In Sub-Saharan Africa, plastic intensity within economies is predicted to increase significantly by 2040, reaching 5.19 metric tons per thousand U.S. dollars of GDP. Statista
• [New] The EU has a 2030 target of 55% recycling of plastic packaging, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands recycling over 45% of large polymers already. Emergen Research
• [New] Plastic consumption is expected to grow significantly in developing economies by 2040. Statista
• [New] Global plastic waste is expected to reach 460 million tonnes annually in 2025 with little sign of regulation to cap production. Packaging News
• [New] Humanity was projected to consume over 500 million tonnes of plastic. Impakter
• [New] After winning the Earthshot Prize, Notpla introduced the material at Ikea's new Oxford Street cafe and aims to displace one billion single-use plastic items by 2030. Shopify
• [New] Plastic leakage into the environment is forecast to increase to 29.9 million tons by 2040 in a business-as-usual scenario. Statista
• [New] South Korea's domestic goal is to recycle 70% of plastic waste by 2030, from 52% in 2023. Emergen Research
• [New] North America is a global plastic chemicals and circular recycling industry leader, expected to capture over 34% of global revenues in 2024 and maintain strong momentum through 2030. Emergen Research
• [New] The adoption of circular economy principles in plastics aims to reduce virgin plastic use by 50% by 2030. Plastic Bank

Last updated: 15 September 2025