The consequences of plastic pollution were most devastating in the oceans. | Photo loan: Press Information Bureau

Plastic is now embedded in almost all aspects of modern life – from packaging and construction to transport and textiles. Although our dependency has grown, our systems for the treatment of plastic waste did not keep up. Research by Geyer et al (2017) show that global plastic production rose from 2 million tons in 1950 to 9.49 billion tons until 2019. In the past two decades alone, more than 65 percent of all plastic have been produced alarm.

This growth is primarily due to industrial expansion and global consumerism. In 2019 alone, packaging waste made 142.6 million tons – 37 percent of the total plastic waste. The construction and construction industry followed with 76.9 million tons, then transport (62.2 million), consumer goods (46.7 million) and textiles (43.9 million). Even border sectors – such as marine coatings and body care – contribute significantly. Combating plastic pollution therefore requires targeted, industry -specific interventions with a focus on high -effect sectors such as packaging and construction.

Oceans on the edge

Nowhere are the consequences more devastating than in the oceans. Sea ecosystems are overwhelmed by poorly managed plastic waste. OECD data show the differences between regions. In Africa, the average misverts of plastic waste per capita is 0.06 kg annually, although countries such as Liberia (0.53 kg) and camera (0.41 kg) highlight local weaknesses.

Asia presents a more serious situation with an average of 0.17 kg per capita. The Philippines (3.30 kg) and Malaysia (2.29 kg) are among the highest global participants due to coastal populations, weak waste systems and rapid urbanization. North America sees significant leaks in the Caribbean – Trinidad and Tobago (2.55 kg) and Panama (1.23 kg) with an average of 0.12 kg. Europe, on the other hand, is only 0.0078 kg on average, which reflects a robust waste management. The average annual poorly managed plastic that comes into the ocean is 0.127 kg per capita. This is not just an ecological problem – it is an equity problem in which poorer and developing nations bear the main load of plastic pollution.

In order to fix the crisis, actions on several fronts are required. Nations with high incomes that produce less poorly managed waste per capita must help build the waste infrastructure in endangered countries. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) needs targeted support – both financial and technological support to alleviate the plastic pollution of the sea wall.

Industries such as packaging, textiles and construction must be directed by regulations or incentives for biodegradable and recyclable alternatives. Tools such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), framework conditions for circular economy and plastic plastic ban on individual uses must pass from theory to enforceable global standards.

Public awareness is the key-and guilt-driven messaging is inadequate. We need education and civic engagement to promote permanent changes in behavior. The guideline must go hand in hand. Trade frames such as the EU CBAM (mechanism for carbon limits) should develop beyond mere carbon tariffs.

In order to be effective, global strategies must not only contain carbon prices, but also enforceable standards for plastic production, waste management and the obligation to account for environmental pollution. Technology transfers and international cooperation are essential so that environmental pollution is not postponed across borders, but are reduced together.

The writer is an assistant professor at the Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pune. Views are personal

Published on June 11, 2025