Researchers estimate that more than 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced globally since the early 1950s. Over the same period, the rate of plastic production has grown faster than that of any other material worldwide. About 60% of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the natural environment.
If current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
India is addicted to plastic. It generates over 4,354 tonnes of non-biodegradable plastic waste every day, according to a 2016 report by the Central Pollution Control Board. A knowledge paper by FICCI (2017) adds:
• Indian plastic processing industry saw compounded annual growth rate of 10% between 2010 and 2015.
• Annual plastic consumption is expected to increase from 12 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes by 2020.