An estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic waste leaked into the environment in 2020. In a business-as-usual scenario, in which no further policy measures are implemented, this figure is projected to increase by 50 percent, to reach 29.9 million tons in 2040. Global lifecycle low stringency policies or a focus on action in advanced economies alone would not be able to reduce the leakage in comparison to 2020 levels. Meanwhile, high stringent global downstream action could see plastic leakage drop to 13.5 million tons by 2040.
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Plastic leakage worldwide in 2020 and projections for 2040, by policy scenario
(in million metric tons)
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OECD. (October 1, 2024). Plastic leakage worldwide in 2020 and projections for 2040, by policy scenario (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1560460/projected-plastic-waste-leakage-by-scenario/
OECD. "Plastic leakage worldwide in 2020 and projections for 2040, by policy scenario (in million metric tons)." Chart. October 1, 2024. Statista. Accessed June 22, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1560460/projected-plastic-waste-leakage-by-scenario/
OECD. (2024). Plastic leakage worldwide in 2020 and projections for 2040, by policy scenario (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 22, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1560460/projected-plastic-waste-leakage-by-scenario/
OECD. "Plastic Leakage Worldwide in 2020 and Projections for 2040, by Policy Scenario (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 1 Oct 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1560460/projected-plastic-waste-leakage-by-scenario/
OECD, Plastic leakage worldwide in 2020 and projections for 2040, by policy scenario (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1560460/projected-plastic-waste-leakage-by-scenario/ (last visited June 22, 2025)
Plastic leakage worldwide in 2020 and projections for 2040, by policy scenario (in million metric tons) [Graph], OECD, October 1, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1560460/projected-plastic-waste-leakage-by-scenario/
