Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Only 9.5% of Global Plastic Was Recycled in 2022

4/10/2025

27 5

Summary

Story summary

A recent study in Communications Earth & Environment reveals a staggering reality: just 9.5% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide in 2022 was recycled. With most plastic sourced from fossil fuels, the environmental implications are dire. The USA tops per capita consumption, while China leads in total usage, highlighting the urgent need to tackle global plastic pollution.

1 of 1

Story summary

A recent study in Communications Earth & Environment reveals a staggering reality: just 9.5% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide in 2022 was recycled. With most plastic sourced from fossil fuels, the environmental implications are dire. The USA tops per capita consumption, while China leads in total usage, highlighting the urgent need to tackle global plastic pollution.