Big Oil and plastics are at the centre of a fight over billions in new production

Plastic production has doubled over the past 20 years and may rise further, and fossil fuel companies have invested more than $180bn in US plastics plants since 2010; critics and affected communities are challenging industry tactics and lobbying.

The article examines concern about a planned expansion of plastics production backed by fossil fuel companies. Author Beth Gardiner documents large industry investments, community health reports near plants, and decades of messaging that framed disposability and recycling in ways that benefited producers. She notes that plastic production has doubled in the past 20 years and is expected to increase again. Gardiner draws on visits to affected communities and on industry and policy records to explain how production, waste and regulation interact. Key facts: - Plastic production has doubled in the past 20 years and is forecast to increase further. - Gardiner reports that fossil fuel companies invested more than $180bn in US plastics plants since 2010. - The UN reported that plastics generated about 1.8bn tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, roughly 3.4% of global emissions. - Microplastics have been detected widely and research into their health effects is ongoing, while other chemicals in plastics have been linked to endocrine and cardiovascular harms. - The article describes industry tactics such as promoting recycling narratives and lobbying at national and international talks to influence regulation. Summary: Gardiner argues that the plastics expansion helps sustain demand for oil and gas, with implications for climate and for communities located near production and disposal sites. Regulatory and legal responses vary across regions and efforts to curb new capacity and address pollution are ongoing. Undetermined at this time.