UN: Increased production of plastic alternatives key to tackling pollution
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development stated on February 6 that the vigorous development of plastic alternatives is expected to reduce global plastic waste by about 63 million tons by 2040, accounting for about 17% of the total. To do this, companies and countries must collaborate across borders to increase production of plastic alternatives and address trade barriers.
UNCTAD pointed out that in 2021, the global plastic trade volume will be close to 370 million tons, enough to fill more than 18 million trucks, and line up to circle the earth 13 times. With less than 10 percent of all plastic produced being recycled, most of the products on these trucks end up on the streets and flooding the oceans.
UNCTAD emphasizes that nature is actually rich in sustainable materials such as bamboo, sand, musa and algae. These materials can be used to create alternatives to plastic straws, shopping bags, bottles, food packaging and other products that people consume on a daily basis, thus becoming more environmentally friendly.
