Report exposes plastic industry’s decades-long deception on recycling
![Report exposes plastic industry's decades-long deception on recycling](https://sustainabilityeconomicsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ground-littered-with-plastic-bottles.jpg)
A recent report by the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) reveals that plastic producers have knowingly misled the public for over 30 years regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of plastic recycling as a waste management solution.
Big Oil and the plastics industry
— Center for Climate Integrity (@climatecosts) February 15, 2024
🤯knew decades ago that recycling plastic is not viable at scale
🧐deceptively promoted plastic recycling as a false solution
😡directly fueled the plastic waste crisis
They must be held accountable. https://t.co/qqRqQeBGgL
The report, which draws on internal industry documents and investigations, sheds light on the industry’s deliberate concealment of the challenges and limitations associated with plastic recycling.
Despite being aware of the technical and economic hurdles of plastic recycling, the industry has persistently promoted recycling as a solution to plastic waste, obscuring the truth from consumers and policymakers.
The report exposes instances where industry insiders acknowledged the shortcomings of recycling, describing it as “uneconomical” and “not a permanent solid waste solution.” Yet, the industry continued to advocate for recycling through marketing campaigns and initiatives, including the widely recognized recycling symbol introduced in the late 1980s.
Moreover, the report alleges that the plastic industry’s deception extends to promoting chemical recycling as a solution to plastic waste.
Despite knowing the inefficiencies and environmental impacts of chemical recycling, industry lobbying groups have pushed for its adoption, further perpetuating the misinformation surrounding plastic waste management.
As scrutiny on plastic pollution and climate impact grows, the report calls for accountability and legal action against the industry for its decades-long deception.
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