While there is much discussion of domestic and international efforts to curb plastics waste, many proposals involve a top-down approach that restricts plastics production while placing little focus on market-driven recycling technologies or the potential economic impact. In new research, Director of Competition Policy Fred Ashton walks through U.S. and global plastics production and use, including the scope of the industry, its total trade value, and its prominence in practically every aspect of the worldwide economy.

He concludes:

Dealing with plastics waste continues to frustrate domestic policymakers and international organizations. Industry-led advancements in recycling technologies promise to create commercial opportunities and avoid top-down efforts to reduce plastics waste through production curbs that fail to consider the potential economic impact.

Any domestic or international policy changes that impact the production of plastics would cause significant manufacturing and supply chain disruption to the $358 billion U.S. plastics industry that employs more than 660,000 workers with establishments that spanned 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Read the analysis.