Global Scans · Plastics · Weekly Summary

• [New] After winning the Earthshot Prize, Notpla introduced the material at Ikea's new Oxford Street cafe and aims to displace one billion single-use plastic items by 2030. Shopify
• [New] Plastic leakage into the environment is forecast to increase to 29.9 million tons by 2040 in a business-as-usual scenario. Statista
• [New] South Korea's domestic goal is to recycle 70% of plastic waste by 2030, from 52% in 2023. Emergen Research
• [New] North America is a global plastic chemicals and circular recycling industry leader, expected to capture over 34% of global revenues in 2024 and maintain strong momentum through 2030. Emergen Research
• [New] The adoption of circular economy principles in plastics aims to reduce virgin plastic use by 50% by 2030. Plastic Bank
• A circular economy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and the amount of plastic waste that enters the oceans each year by 80% by 2040. Claight Corporation (Expert Market Research)
• NGO activism is increasing, with lawsuits being brought against major corporations like Coca Cola, Danone, Exxon, Nestle and Pepsico for failing to manage plastic risks. Clyde & Co LLP
• U.S. growth is driven by state-led mandates like California's Extended Producer Responsibility under SB 54, which shifts responsibility for plastic waste onto producers and aims for a 25% reduction in single-use packaging by 2032. Precedence Research
• South Korea, particularly Jeju Province, launched the Plastic Zero Island campaign, aiming toward plastic-free goals by 2040. Precedence Research
• The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calls plastic pollution a global threat to human rights. JD Supra
• Plastic packaging waste from Earth-to-Moon supply chains could be processed into building components for internal partitions, furniture, specialised equipment housings, and secondary structure elements. Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources | University of
• Investments in flexible plastic recycling facilities have helped Australia increase its recycling rate from 20% in 2022 to 35% in 2025, with a target of 70% by 2030. kdwpack.com

Last updated: 08 September 2025