London, UK – On Thursday 15 May, 2025, the REUSE Foundation released a report that challenges the widely accepted belief that recycling is the solution to the plastics crisis. Titled “Where Now for Plastic Packaging?”, the report draws on the latest global data to show that despite decades of promotion, recycling has not been effective in addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution.
According to the report, global plastic production is expected to triple by 2060, yet only 9% of plastic is currently being recycled. This number is projected to increase to just 17% by 2060, according to the OECD. The report also highlights that so-called “recyclable” plastic often ends up being downcycled, burned, or shipped abroad, contributing to waste and emissions. This goes against the circular solution that recycling is often portrayed as.
In addition, the report reveals that for leading brands, reusable packaging as a share of total plastic packaging has actually decreased from 1.6% in 2019 to 1.3% in 2023. This indicates a lack of emphasis on finding sustainable solutions within the industry.
Roger Sharp, a REUSE Foundation Trustee, stated, “The plastics crisis isn’t being solved – it’s being greenwashed. Recycling has been used as a cover while plastic production continues to rise. We need a fundamental shift towards reuse, a conclusion that is being increasingly reached by campaigners, NGOs, governments, and corporations alike.”
The report also references research from the World Economic Forum, which found that shifting just 10% of plastic packaging to reusable formats could potentially reduce ocean-bound plastic waste by up to 50%. This highlights the enormous potential benefits of adopting reuse solutions.
To read the full report, visit www.reusefoundation.org.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact John Marchant at john@reusefoundation.org. The REUSE Foundation can also be found on Instagram at @reuse_foundation and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/reuse-foundation/.
This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
