Oxford Researchers Propose Plan for Net Zero Plastic Economy
The plan focuses on reducing demand, using renewable resources, increasing recycling, and integrating with renewable power to curb global plastic emissions.
- University of Oxford researchers propose a plan for a sustainable, net zero plastic economy, focusing on reduced demand, renewable resources, increased recycling, and cleaner production methods.
- The global plastics system currently results in over 1 gigatonnes per annum of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, equivalent to the total combined emissions of Europe’s three largest economies.
- If left unchecked, these emissions could rise to 4-5 gigatonnes per annum with other sources of pollution also causing concern.
- The researchers propose four targets: reducing future plastics demand by one-half, changing the way plastics are manufactured to use only renewable raw materials, maximizing recycling to target 95% of recoverable materials, and integrating plastic manufacturing and recycling with renewable power.
- The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across all four target areas to ensure the global plastics systems curb their climate impacts and meet UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Nature 
