Global Scans · Plastics · Weekly Summary

• [New] Hosting the UN Ocean Conference in 2028 is expected to enhance South Korea's global standing, allowing it to spearhead international collaboration on crucial ocean issues such as marine plastic pollution and biodiversity. Maritime Fairtrade
• [New] In a world drowning in plastic waste, four engineering students from a university in Dubai have found a way to turn one of the planet's biggest environmental challenges into a practical, small-scale solution - one that could be replicated in classrooms and labs across the UAE. Khaleej Times
• [New] Recycled plastic could account for up to 8% of plastics demand by 2025, and up to 15% of global demand by 2030. UK - EN - Intermediary
• [New] At a national level, in April the UK implemented a plastics tax which will apply charges of £200 a tonne to plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic. UK - EN - Intermediary
• [New] In recent months, the UN has agreed to develop a global treaty on plastics which could include cuts in virgin plastic production, as well as increasing collection and recycling infrastructure. UK - EN - Intermediary
• [New] Although there is no national ban yet on plastic wet wipes in the US yet, the WIPPES Act, passed by the US House, is a first step that will require wipe manufacturers to label non-flushable products clearly with Do Not Flush. Positive News
• [New] Despite proposed improvements, we will only have capacity to recycle 4 out of every 10 plastic items by 2029. / Australia Mirage News
• [New] The application by Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia to collect and recycle soft plastic packaging, approved yesterday by the ACCC, will not reduce soft plastics or soft plastics pollution. Mirage News
• [New] UK companies will still be able to manufacture and export plastic wet wipes, and they will still be available for people to buy from pharmacies both in person and online. BBC News
• [New] A recycling plant will use Eni's proprietary Hoop technology for the chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste. The Cool Down
• [New] An Italian oil giant will soon build a biorefinery and recycling plant to generate fuel from food waste and discarded plastic. The Cool Down
• [New] The European Union wants automakers to use at least 20% recycled plastic by 2035. The Guardian
• [New] Plastic production could account for around 13% of the total global carbon budget by 2050, a figure on par with operating hundreds of coal-fired power plants worldwide. EurekAlert!
• [New] By 2050, the total weight of plastic in the ocean will exceed the weight of fish. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The global plastics treaty, a United Nations initiative aiming to reduce plastic pollution worldwide, could commit countries to legally binding limits on virgin plastic production and enforce stronger requirements for reuse and refill systems. The Conversation
• [New] 225 million tonnes of plastic waste will be generated worldwide in 2025 - but only 68% can currently be managed responsibly. ESG Post
• [New] At the current rate, global plastic pollution is estimated to triple by 2040. Phenomenal World
• [New] One plant will make casings for EV batteries, the second plant is a joint venture with Aisin of Japan which will take a range of aluminium, steel and plastic components, also for EVs. Automotive Manufacturing Solutions
• [New] The Commission would propose a set of short-term initiatives to support plastic recyclers before the end of the year, without waiting for the adoption of the Circular Economy Act scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. Landbell Group
• [New] Following Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd's move earlier this year to switch from paper straws to plant-based bioplastic ones, the fast-food chain will change the plastic bags used for takeout orders. Japan Today
• [New] LEGO (Denmark) took a long-term bet on sustainability, committing to replace all plastic bricks with sustainable materials by 2030. Family Business
• [New] Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have shown that it could take more than 100 years for floating plastic to disappear from the ocean's surface. earth.com

Last updated: 24 November 2025