Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPESYSTEMIQ study shows: Plastic pollution can be reduced by 80% by 2040
Without decisive action, the amount of plastic entering the environment each year could nearly triple by 2040. This is the core finding of the recent study “Towards Ending Plastic Pollution by 2040” was commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment and Climate and produced by Systemiq. The positive message: with a systemic approach, global plastic pollution could be reduced by up to 80% within the next 15 years.
The report identifies five key intervention areas along the plastics value chain: reducing plastic demand, scaling reuse systems, improving collection infrastructure, doubling global recycling rates, and substituting materials where feasible.
One thing becomes clear: isolated measures are not enough. Only a coordinated and comprehensive transformation—driven by regulation, industry, financing, and innovation—can achieve lasting impact. The report emphasizes that technological solutions must be embedded within broader structural change and international cooperation.
The full study is available at: Towards_Ending_Plastic_Pollution_by_2040