With the increased production and consumption of plastics worldwide, the production of plastic-associated chemicals has also increased, both in quantity and diversity. More than 13,000 chemicals are associated with plastics and plastic production across a wide range of applications, of which over 3,200 monomers, additives, processing aids and non-intentionally added substances are of potential concern due to their hazardous properties.
Based on the identification of the 10 groups of chemicals associated with plastics and the 10 priority use sectors, the report identifies a number of challenges that need to be overcome for global action and specific actions that will help reduce the chemical-related impacts of plastic pollution.
By outlining the chemical-related issues of plastic pollution and providing recommendations to address them, the report aims to catalyse immediate action to transition to safe and sustainable material cycles, with the overall goal of protecting human health and the environment. It also highlights the necessity of combined effort of all stakeholders along the plastics value chain, including regulatory authorities, industries involved in plastic manufacturing and use, waste managers and recyclers (including the informal sector), scientists from multiple disciplines, and the general population.