Global cumulative plastic production is predicted to reach 34,000 million tonnes between 1950 and 2050.
The harmful chemicals released from plastic products throughout their entire life cycle can pose a serious risk to humans and the environment, including when waste is not properly managed, finding its way to air, water and soils.
While the preparations for the legally binding agreement on plastic pollution are ongoing, the plastic waste and chemicals in plastics are being discussed at the 2021/2022 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including the Plastic Forum from 8 to 10 June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Experts say that action is urgently needed to better understand and control the use of chemicals of concern along the plastic life cycle.
In this video, we take a close look at plastic materials, their chemical content and potential impacts on human health and the environment.
