Global Struggle with Single-Use Plastic Persists Despite Bans

Efforts to curb single-use plastic face significant hurdles as it remains a cheap and convenient option across diverse regions.

Thailand produces two million tons of plastic waste annually, with 11% going uncollected and often ending up in rivers and oceans.
Despite a ban on single-use plastic in Lagos, Nigeria, up to 60 million water sachets are discarded daily due to economic constraints.
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, plastic cups are a staple for beach vendors, contributing to the country's ranking as the fourth-largest plastic waste producer.
France has banned single-use plastic since 2016, but plastic bags remain prevalent at markets, challenging the effectiveness of the ban.
Dubai has implemented bans on single-use plastic bags, with polystyrene containers to follow, yet plastic remains a significant part of daily life due to high delivery demands.