Plastic production is a major driver of climate change, accounting for 3–5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — a share comparable to the aviation sector. With plastic production expected to double, or even triple, by 2050 without intervention, urgent action is needed to reduce lifecycle emissions and align the sector with a 1.5°C-compatible pathway.

This executive summary presents key findings of our forthcoming report. The report:

• maps GHG emissions across the plastics value chain
• introduces guiding principles for a net-zero emissions plastic sector
• assesses policy and action across four major economies: China, the EU, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

Key messages  

Plastics as a cause of both climate change and environmental pollution 

GHG emissions from plastics are a major driver of exacerbating climate change. 90% of plastics-related GHG emissions stem from the production phase, largely driven by fossil feedstocks and energy-intensive processes like steam cracking.

Plastics also contribute heavily to environmental degradation and health risks, with microplastics found in nearly all ecosystems and in human bodies.

This twin crisis – climate change and pollution – demands integrated solutions.

Guiding principles: Three strategies for net-zero emissions plastics

The report outlines a sequenced approach for transforming the plastics sector, based on three guiding strategies:

• Minimise production through eliminating unnecessary plastic use and substituting with more sustainable alternatives
• Enhance circularity by scaling up mechanical and chemical recycling
• Decarbonise production by transitioning to low-emission feedstocks and clean energy sources, supported by research, development, demonstration and deployment (RDD&D)

New policies needed to get on track 

Plastic sector decarbonisation requires systemic transformations, eliminating unnecessary usage of these products and shifting from cheap availability and fast disposability to durability and reuse, especially in high-income countries. Technical solutions need enhanced efforts in RDD&D to accelerate their availability, while avoiding overreliance on silver bullet technological solutions.

Despite increasing attention to plastic pollution, climate-related policies that explicitly address plastics are still limited, and some national strategies risk increasing emissions. As major producers and consumers of plastics, leading economies must step up with stronger domestic action and international cooperation.

Way forward 

The International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) negotiations, happening in Geneva from 5-14 August 2025, offer a pivotal opportunity. Reducing plastic production and consumption, promoting sustainable alternatives and enhancing circularity are essential immediate actions. Here the ILBI can play a pivotal role by setting globally agreed targets.

Furthermore, coordination between the ILBI and UNFCCC processes can support stronger national action and climate alignment – particularly relevant as countries prepare their next round of NDCs. NDCs and long-term low-emissions development strategies (LT-LEDS) should explicitly reflect plastic-related mitigation measures to meet 1.5°C pathways.

For further insights, see our Q&A where experts explain why reducing plastics production is essential for effective climate action, drawing on key findings from this executive summary and the forthcoming full report.

The full report will be published in September.