Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/173128 
Year of Publication: 
2018
Series/Report no.: 
Economics Discussion Papers No. 2018-3
Publisher: 
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Kiel
Abstract: 
We live in the plastic age (the "plasticene"), producing over 300 million tonnes (mt) of plastic every year globally, 5-15 mt of which flow into already polluted oceans. Plastic remains a key material in the global economy, but low rates of collection, reuse and recycling, emissions of microplastic from product wear and tear, and often insufficient disposal measures are leading to far-reaching environmental, health, social and economic impacts. The costs of inaction are unacceptably high. Globally there is a growing recognition of the need to address marine litter and rethink our approach to plastics and plastic packaging within the economy. Measures that enable a transition to a circular economy can avoid waste and reduce marine litter, and contribute to keeping plastics and their value in the economy.
Subjects: 
G20
circular economy
plastics
marine pollution
JEL: 
E23
F53
Q01
Q20
Q52
Q53
Q57
L65
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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