Global plastic waste generation increased seven-fold between 1980 and 2019, reaching *** million metric tons in the latter year. Packaging was consistently the main source of plastic waste during this period, reaching *** million metric tons in 2019. Plastic waste is a major environmental issue around the world, with huge quantities leaking into marine ecosystems.
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OECD. (June 3, 2022). Plastic waste generation worldwide from 1980 to 2019, by application (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from /statistics/1339124/global-plastic-waste-generation-by-application/
OECD. "Plastic waste generation worldwide from 1980 to 2019, by application (in million metric tons)." Chart. June 3, 2022. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 15, 2026. /statistics/1339124/global-plastic-waste-generation-by-application/
OECD. (2022). Plastic waste generation worldwide from 1980 to 2019, by application (in million metric tons). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 15, 2026. /statistics/1339124/global-plastic-waste-generation-by-application/
OECD. "Plastic Waste Generation Worldwide from 1980 to 2019, by Application (in Million Metric Tons)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 3 Jun 2022, /statistics/1339124/global-plastic-waste-generation-by-application/
OECD, Plastic waste generation worldwide from 1980 to 2019, by application (in million metric tons) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1339124/global-plastic-waste-generation-by-application/ (last visited July 15, 2026)
Plastic waste generation worldwide from 1980 to 2019, by application (in million metric tons) [Graph], OECD, June 3, 2022. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1339124/global-plastic-waste-generation-by-application/
