Global treaty negotiations highlight recycling's limitations in tackling plastic pollution

As nations negotiate a global treaty on plastic pollution, the focus on recycling is under scrutiny. Only nine percent of plastic has been recycled since 1950, with most ending up in landfills or the environment. Plastic production continues to rise, increasing from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019. Industry advocates for recycling but has faced criticism for promoting it despite knowing its limitations. Research suggests that addressing plastic production is crucial. Experts call for a minimum recycled content standard and better waste management, emphasizing that solutions must tackle both production and waste to effectively reduce plastic pollution.