Environmentalists see worsening plastics crisis

PENANG, Malaysia – Citing an increasing trend in global plastic production, environmentalists have warned that the problem on proper plastic disposal will worsen.

“Flexible plastic will see growth due to its affordability and convenience in food packaging,” the Break Free From Plastic Asia Pacific said over the weekend.

Beau Baconguis, coordinator of Break Free, said the trend covering 2015 to 2020 can be observed in Western Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Citing data from the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management based at the University of California, Baconguis said that by 2050 the global plastic production is projected at 34 billion metric tons (MT) and total plastic waste at 12 billion MT.

“This flexible plastic can fit into whatever is the requirement for its use. Normally, it is required that plastic is sturdy and can provide convenient packaging,” Baconguis said during a forum on plastic pollution at the Rainbow Paradise Hotel here.

“Those engaged in plastic manufacturing business claim they are merely addressing the need of the poor or low-income communities, giving them a product that they can afford,” she said.

Baconguis said the main market of these companies is Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

Jack Mcquibban, program coordinator of Zero Waste Europe, reiterated Baconguis’ statement.

“Plastic production is still on the rise. Most solutions being prepared by the industry today do not address or prevent the problem. It simply turns one form of waste to another,” Mcquibban said.

He said plastic packaging accounts for the largest share of global plastic production. It is also the largest source of waste as packaging is intended for single usage only.