Field 8 of 10 · Boundary: Novel entities
Plastics, Chemicals & Pollution
The problem
Plastics and synthetic chemicals are produced in huge quantities and a large part ends up in the environment. Many are hard to remove once released, and their effects on health and ecosystems are not fully understood.
Who may be affected
People living near production and waste sites, and everyone exposed through food, water and everyday products.
353 Mt
of plastic waste in 2019, more than double the amount in 2000
OECD, Global Plastics Outlook (2022)
9%
of plastic waste was recycled in 2019, while 22% was mismanaged
OECD, Global Plastics Outlook (2022)
Idea directions
- Reuse and refill systems for packaging
- Tests that detect harmful substances in products and water
Sources are named under each number. Idea directions are prompts, not recommendations.