The Plastic Problem
Plastic doesn’t just disappear when you’re done with it – it sticks around.
The FACTS
9%
of plastic waste ever produced has been recycled-the rest goes to landfills, incinerators, or pollutes the environment.
400 million
tons of plastic are produced annually, and this number is projected to double by 2050.
40%
of all plastic is used just once and then discarded
50%
of plastic waste globally is made up of single-use plastic packaging
1 million
seabirds die each year from ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it
5 grams
of plastic is ingested by humans every week—the equivalent of a credit card—through food, water, and air.
The packaging industry is responsible for 46% of global plastic waste, with food packaging as the leading contributor.
Common items like coffee lids, produce bags, and food containers are among the most frequently littered plastic products.
So, what Needs to Change?
We need to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, and shift to compostable and reusable alternatives.
Our waste management systems need to improve, to increase recycling rates and prevent leakage into the environment.
Finally, we need material innovation, and develop sustainable materials that are biodegradable and safer for the environment.
A World Beyond Plastic Is Possible
It’s time to rethink how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastics.
At Greenshoot Materials, we’re creating new, compostable fiber-based packaging materials with properties of plastic, without the negatives. Join us as we pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future.