A global material flow analysis, published on April 10, 2025, in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, shows that plastics remain predominantly derived from fossil-based feedstocks, with limited progress toward recycling or the use of bio-based materials compared to previous estimates. Led by Khaoula Houssini from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, the study found that in 2022, approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic were produced. Of these, only less than 10% came from recycling and 2% from bio-based feedstocks. The authors warn that this “high reliance on fossil-fuel feedstocks for plastics production will further compromise the global efforts to mitigate climate change” (FPF reported).
Houssini and co-authors outlined that the largest share (40%) of the 400 million tonnes of plastics is used for packaging. Due to its short lifespan and mostly single-use nature, packaging accounts for 60% of global plastic waste generation. The analysis further shows that waste management shifts away from landfilling toward incineration (34% of waste), particularly in China. Meanwhile, mismanagement of plastic waste, resulting in 30 million tonnes ending up in the environment every year, and global recycling rates (9.5% of primary production) remain stagnant compared to estimates from 2015 (FPF reported). According to the authors, one major challenge in increasing recycling is “the vast diversity and complexity of plastic materials, which include various types, grades, and additives.” Recycled plastic food contact materials have been found to contain higher levels of chemicals of concern (FPF reported).
Ultimately, the study underscores the urgency of avoiding unnecessary plastic production, transitioning to reuse systems with inert materials – especially for packaging (see UP Scorecard) – and reducing the dependence on fossil-based plastics to address environmental pollution and climate impacts.
Reference
Houssini, K., Li, J. & Tan, Q. (2025). “Complexities of the global plastics supply chain revealed in a trade-linked material flow analysis.” Communications Earth & Environment. DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02169-5
Read more
Sandra Laville (April 10, 2025) “Just 9.5% of plastic made in 2022 used recycled material, study shows.” The Guardian
