Plastic pollution: the silent crisis rivalling climate change

  • 11 August 2025
  • Posted by: Mikki Hall
  • Category: energy transition
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Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution has escalated into a global emergency, with impacts now considered as severe as climate change. In 2021, global plastic production hit 400 million tonnes per year, yet only 9% is recycled, leaving vast quantities to choke landfills, rivers, and oceans. By 2025, projections suggest plastic waste could triple, overwhelming ecosystems and human health.

But there’s hope. Governments, businesses, and communities are stepping up with bold policies, innovations and grassroots action. In this blog we explore the latest developments, from EU regulations to UN treaty negotiations, and spotlight Africa’s battle against plastic waste, where some nations lead while others struggle.

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The EU’s bold move: a plastic-free future by 2040?

On 5 August 2025, the European Commission unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to tackle plastic pollution at its source. Key measures include:

  • stricter bans on single-use plastics (SUPs) like cutlery, straws and packaging
  • extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, forcing brands to fund waste collection and recycling
  • mandatory recycled content in new products, boosting circular economies.

The goal? A binding global treaty by 2040—but will nations comply?

Case study: France’s plastic revolution

France has become a global leader in tackling plastic waste through bold policies. In 2022, the country banned plastic packaging for most fresh fruits and vegetables, eliminating an estimated 1 billion single-use plastic items annually. The move led to a 30% drop in plastic litter and inspired supermarkets to adopt compostable alternatives.

Building on this success, France launched a nationwide bottle deposit scheme in 2024. Consumers now pay a small deposit (€0.10–€0.25) per bottle, refunded when returned via supermarket recycling machines. The results have been impressive—an 85% return rate in the first year—far exceeding traditional recycling rates.

Bottle deposit return

These measures have sparked a cultural shift, with 72% of French consumers now preferring loose produce to reduce waste. The government plans further steps, including expanding the deposit system to wine bottles and banning fast-food plastic by 2027. France’s approach proves that strong policies and consumer incentives can drive real change in the fight against plastic pollution.

UN Plastic Treaty: will 2025 be the turning point?

Since the UN Environment Assembly’s Resolution 5/14 (2022), negotiations for a legally binding plastic treaty have intensified. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) meets in Geneva (5–14 August 2025) to finalise the agreement.

Key Demands from Activists:

  • Global plastic production cap (aim: -40% by 2040).
  • Ban rich nations from dumping plastic in the Global South.
  • $100B/year fund to help developing nations improve waste management.

Will the treaty succeed? Past failures (like the Paris Agreement’s weak enforcement) raise doubts, but public pressure is mounting.

The shameful export of plastic pollution
Kenya is dealing with a serious solid waste management crisis
Kenya is dealing with a serious solid waste management crisis. An estimated 80 tonnes of waste is generat daily, and at least 20 percent of it is plastic. Credit: Joyce Chimbi/IPS

Wealthy nations ship millions of tonnes of plastic waste to countries with weaker recycling systems. In 2020, 1.6 million tonnes of plastic waste was dumped in Africa and Southeast Asia, much of it ending up in oceans.

The dirty truth: where does the waste go?

  • Turkey, Malaysia and Kenya are top destinations.
  • Up to 40% of imported plastic is non-recyclable, burned or dumped illegally.
  • Senegal’s Joal Beach is now a plastic graveyard, with turtles suffocating in bags.

Kenya’s Mombasa crisis:

  • 80 tonnes of waste daily, 20% is plastic.
  • Only 5% is recycled; the rest poisons fish and tourism.
Africa’s plastic battle: successes vs. failures

Rwanda: the cleanest nation in Africa

Rwanda has earned its reputation as the cleanest country in Africa through bold environmental policies and strong community action. 

  • Banned plastic bags in 2008, fines are up to $60 per offense.
  • Community clean-ups (Umuganda) keep streets spotless.
  • Private waste collectors ensure 90% recycling rates in Kigali.

Nigeria: a plastic disaster unfolding

While Rwanda leads Africa’s anti-plastic movement, Nigeria faces a growing environmental emergency. The country generates a staggering 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, equivalent to 100,000 garbage trucks—with less than 12% recycled.

  • 5 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly, 70% ends up in rivers.
  • Osun River is now a microplastic hotspot, threatening drinking water.
  • Weak enforcement of plastic bans leaves cities drowning in trash.
The fight for a plastic - free future starts now

Plastic pollution has evolved beyond an environmental challenge, it’s now a pressing human rights issue that threatens communities worldwide. While governments are stepping up with stronger policies like the EU’s plastic restrictions and the upcoming UN global treaty, real change requires action at every level.

Businesses have a critical role to play. Companies can start by:

  • Conducting plastic audits to identify waste hotspots in operations
  • Empowering employees to reduce plastic use through workplace initiatives
  • Eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible

With projections showing plastic waste tripling by 2040, we all need take action now.

Why ESG still matters

Future Energy Partners  advises governments, investors, and businesses on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, including the alignment of objectives, compensation models, environmental and social risks and opportunities, and environmental and social impact assessments, as well as providing bespoke capacity-building services.

Integrating ESG principles into company strategy can significantly enhance the bottom line. Companies with a strong ESG framework not only achieve greater sustainability but also unlock opportunities for improved financial performance, risk mitigation, and competitive advantage. We’ll show you how to develop and implement a robust ESG plan tailored to your business needs, ensuring measurable impact and long-term value.

If you’re ready to turn intent into impact and make plastic reduction a strategic priority, FEP can help you every step of the way:

  • plastic footprint assessment: conduct a comprehensive audit of plastic use and disposal, quantify associated energy and carbon impacts, and pinpoint high-priority hotspots for reduction
  • waste-to-energy feasibility: evaluate opportunities to convert unavoidable plastic waste into clean energy, assess technology options and commercial viability, and develop project roadmaps that balance environmental benefit with cost efficiency
  • stakeholder engagement and training: ESG training with workshops on plastic-free design, behaviour-change campaigns and best practice sharing, so that everyone plays their part in reducing waste
  • regulatory compliance and policy support: help company stay ahead of evolving EU requirements and emerging UN treaty obligations by ensuring operations meet extended producer responsibility, recycled content mandates and other obligations, minimising risk and reputational exposure.
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