Only about 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled, while 12% has been incinerated, often releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Each year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans, where they persist for centuries​ (Mayo Clinic News Network)​. The remaining 79% accumulates in landfills or the natural environment . These plastics break down into microplastics, which infiltrate ecosystems and human health, posing severe risks.

The „Design Failure“ of Plastics.

Plastics were designed for durability and convenience, not for disposal or recycling. This fundamental design flaw has led to significant environmental challenges. Despite efforts to increase recycling rates, the reality is that the infrastructure and economic viability for recycling plastics are insufficient. The widespread belief that increasing recycling rates will solve the plastic problem actually exacerbates it. Many types of plastic are not recyclable, and those that are often degrade in quality after each recycling process, leading to downcycling rather than true recycling .

Recycling, while important, is not a silver bullet. It often creates a false sense of security, leading to increased plastic production and consumption. As long as the production of new plastics remains cheaper and more efficient than recycling, the problem will persist. This cycle perpetuates environmental damage, with plastics continuing to accumulate in landfills and oceans, breaking down into harmful microplastics that threaten marine life and human health .