​The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its “Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060,” projecting a near tripling of global plastics use from 460 million tonnes in 2019 to 1,231 million tonnes by 2060. This surge is anticipated to exacerbate environmental challenges, with plastic waste generation expected to rise from 353 million tonnes to 1,014 million tonnes in the same period. Such trends underscore the urgency for robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies to mitigate the escalating plastic pollution crisis.  

The report highlights that without significant policy interventions, the leakage of plastics into aquatic environments could double, leading to severe ecosystem degradation. To counter this, the OECD proposes comprehensive policy packages aimed at enhancing recycling rates, promoting sustainable product design, and implementing stringent waste management protocols. Integrating these measures into corporate ESG frameworks is crucial for fostering a circular economy and achieving long-term sustainability goals. ​ 

Implementing these policy scenarios is projected to substantially reduce plastic leakage into the environment, with minimal impact on global GDP. This finding reinforces the economic viability of integrating ESG principles into both public policy and corporate strategies. As stakeholders increasingly demand environmental accountability, aligning business operations with these policy recommendations is imperative for sustainable growth and investor confidence. ​ 

References
https://www.developmentaid.org/api/frontend/cms/file/2022/06/document.pdf
https://www.obpcert.org/oecd-launched-a-global-plastics-outlook-policy-scenarios-to-2060/
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2022/06/global-plastics-outlook_f065ef59.html