New data published in the journal Science found that it’s possible to reduce plastic waste by almost 80% in the next 20 years—but we'll need biotech innovations to do it.
The scale of the problem: “Right now, about 11 million metric tons of plastic flow into the ocean each year, and another 18 million goes into the environment—about 10% of what the world produces each year,” reported Axios.
Without action, “the yearly flow of plastics into the ocean globally is expected to nearly triple to 29 million tons by 2040—and remain at that level for hundreds of years,” Axios continued.
But it’s not too late. Scientists ran some scenarios and found that by using all “feasible interventions,” we can reduce plastic waste by almost 80% by 2040.
These interventions include substituting plastic with alternative materials—like bioplastics. Made from renewable feedstocks—like plants, industrial or food waste, or agricultural residues—these plastic alternatives not only reduce plastic waste but also reduce carbon emissions, too.
And BIO members are developing innovative bioplastics—like Danimer Scientific, whose biopolymer material looks and feels like plastic but dissolves in ocean water.
But: “Further innovation in resource-efficient and low-emission business models, reuse and refill systems, sustainable substitute materials, waste management technologies and effective government policies are needed,” conclude the authors.
The bottom line: Plastics pollute our oceans and land and warm the planet—causing us to expand our human footprint and creating the very conditions that lead to disastrous climate patterns and pandemics. This is why BIO continues to push for policy that supports renewable chemical development so we can create bioplastics that reduce waste and pollution.
Learn more about bioplastics.
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