Breathe Project Reports

Peer-reviewed

Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

Information

Summary

The first global analysis of all mass-produced plastics ever manufactured. Researchers estimate that 8300 million metric tons of virgin plastics have been produced to date. As of 2015, of the 6300 metric tons of plastic waste generated, 9% had been recycled, 12% was incinerated and 79% was accumulated in landfills or the natural environment.