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How has worldwide plastic production changed since 1950?

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Ubiquitous plastics — plastic pollution A volunteer collecting plastic nurdles (pellets less than 0.2 inch [0.5 centimeter] in diameter) at Barreiras Beach, Corrubedo, Spain.

Worldwide plastic production has experienced a dramatic increase since 1950. According to the trade association PlasticsEurope, global production rose from approximately 1.5 million metric tons (about 1.7 million short tons) per year in 1950 to an estimated 275 million metric tons (about 303 million short tons) by 2010. This upward trend has continued into the 21st century, with production reaching 430.9 million metric tons (475.0 million short tons) in 2024.1

Overall, more than nine billion metric tons of plastic have been produced globally since 1950, with over half of that total manufactured after the year 2000. This rapid growth in production is closely linked to the rise of single-use plastics, which now account for approximately 50 percent of all plastics produced.21