Clothing, makeup, smartphones, medical supplies—plastic is everywhere, and we are addicted to it. Since production began in the 1950s, up to 2017, it is estimated that over 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured. The problem is only growing: by 2050, annual production is expected to quadruple, reaching 1,480 million tons—nearly three times the total weight of the world’s population today. (Plastic Atlas, 2021; Plastic Soup, 2024) We need to act, and we must do it now!

Why is plastic such a big of an issue? Can’t we simply recycle it and reintroduce it in the market? The answer is more complex than you might think. 

Synthetic materials such as plastic are cheap, versatile and drastically more durable alternatives to other materials like glass, ceramic or metal. As a result, plastic has become one of the single most used materials in most industries, worldwide. While they are extremely convenient to produce and use, however, the difficulty to recycle or break down into manageable components has made them a global issue.

It is well-known that plastic is a global pollutant, accumulating in overflowing landfills, clogging rivers, and endangering wildlife. What is less known is the fact that plastic also plays a huge role in perpetuating global poverty and inequality.

Historically, high-income countries—OECD members including the United States and European nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France—have been the largest producers and consumers of plastic. However, without the will to fund and develop the proper tools and infrastructure to manage their plastic waste, wealthy countries have avoided taking responsibility for their excessive consumption by exporting their unwanted waste to countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Unable to properly manage the volumes of waste they receive, combined with the lack of adequate recycling infrastructure and monitoring systems, as well as the existence of an extensive illegal plastic waste market, outcomes often lead to unsustainable solutions such as incineration and dumping. These practices result in numerous health problems for local populations.

Communities within these countries are also amongst the most vulnerable to the consequences of plastic pollution. As toxic components from discarded items leach into the seas and farming soils, activities such as fishing, and agriculture are jeopardised. Even water sources, including underground water and rivers, become contaminated.

It’s not just local communities that are affected; we are all bearing the consequences of disproportionate and exploitative socio-economic systems centred on mass production—rapidly rising temperatures, widespread climate migration, and economic strain are endangering vulnerable families worldwide. It is our duty, to our planet and future generations, to take action.

Photo credits: (from left to right) Plastics for Change, Chako, Lanka Upcycles / Rice & Carry, Plastics for Change.

How are Fair Trade Enterprises tackling this issue?

WFTO advocates for a different economic system, one that supports people and the planet, with businesses as the driving force. By endorsing alternative business models aligned with our 10 Principles of Fair Trade, our guaranteed members catalyse profound transformations within local communities, creating positive ripple effects that benefit not only producers and consumers but also other enterprises and the lives of many members of society.

Fair Trade Enterprises like Plastics for Change, Lanka Upcycles / Rice & Carry, and Chako are initiatives that provide viable solutions to waste management issues by creating sustainable economic opportunities for underrepresented collectives through dignified work. This is crucial, as informal waste collectors, who often endure harsh conditions and face social marginalisation, play a significant role in solid waste recycling in countries like India, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar.

Blending a mix of creativity, tradition and innovation, these Fair Trade Enterprises are able to transform waste into art, décor, and raw materials ready to be shaped again into new products. From building houses from plastic waste to reimagining fashion by creating unique, handcrafted accessories made from recycled plastic, these enterprises go beyond recycling; they are pioneering new standards for businesses worldwide.

Photo credits: (from left to right) Plastics for Change, Lanka Upcycles / Rice & Carry, Chako, Lanka Upcycles / Rice & Carry.

Plastics present a complex problem for our societies. While there isn’t always a direct, greener substitute for certain plastic applications, there are often better alternatives available. Additionally, there is much we can do to minimise their impact, and Fair Trade Enterprises are already proving that!

We need to slow down on plastic consumption and global collaboration is key to achieving this. We call on all stakeholders, from governments to industries, to unite and coordinate efforts, establish regulatory frameworks, and a common shift towards sustainable practices.

For now, we invite you to visit our member’s search page to explore other innovative Fair Trade Enterprises and to join the Plastic Free July initiative. A platform where you can learn more about how you can reduce your plastic footprint and discover related events and activities near you.

By: Robert Vidal