Plastic Atlas

The Plastic Atlas 2019, recently published by The Heinrich Böel Foundation and Break Free From Plastic, provides a comprehensive assessment of global plastic pollution. This report, targeted at professionals, explores various dimensions of plastic, including its uses, impact on health, gender disparities in exposure, and its presence in our environment, from plates to clothes and beaches. It also addresses the industrial and economic challenges associated with plastics, as well as the potential environmental risks posed by bioplastics.

According to the Atlas, the conventional cultivation of crops used for bio-based plastics can lead to detrimental acidification and over-fertilization of soils and water. Consequently, expanding agricultural raw material production is deemed unsuitable for environmentally friendly plastic production. Instead, the report advocates for a "zero waste" future, urging governments, businesses, and consumers to adopt responsible practices for the production, consumption, and recycling of products, packaging, and materials.