There is a forecast that "in 2050, the amount of ocean plastic will exceed the amount of fish." This is content frequently mentioned since it was noted in a report released in 2016 by the "World Economic Forum (WEF)" and the "Ellen MacArthur Foundation," a nonprofit that promotes the circular economy and works to solve the plastic problem. There are already 150 million tons of plastic waste in the ocean, and given the trend of more than about 11 million tons flowing in additionally each year, such a result is anticipated.
Environmental problems from marine plastic are at a serious level, and beyond simply a crisis of marine ecosystems, they are being treated as a key ESG issue to which companies and society as a whole must respond responsibly. According to recent research, as many as 171 trillion microplastic particles (solid plastic 1 mm to 5 mm or less in diameter) are floating in the ocean, weighing about 2.3 million tons. Because plastic, once used and thrown away, is hard to disappear in nature — taking up to 450 years to decompose — it poses a long-term threat to ecosystems and human health.
[2025 World Environment Day, held in Jeju in June © World Environment Day official website]
The Official Theme of 2025 "World Environment Day," Held in Jeju, Is "Ending Plastic Pollution"
Given its nature, plastic quickly breaks into small pieces by sunlight, waves, and wind, and the microplastics in the sea accumulate in the bodies of marine life and are transmitted even to humans through the food chain. The speed of plastic's miniaturization proceeds very fast, and it is now being detected in various marine life, including endangered species. Amid an overall sense of crisis, the official theme of "World Environment Day" on June 5 this year was also set as "Ending Plastic Pollution."
This time, it is significant that the global official commemorative event is held in Jeju, Korea. Jeju declared a vision aiming for "zero plastic pollution" by 2040. Our government too has recently created a comprehensive plastic strategy encompassing the entire cycle — from the production, design, and consumption of plastic to reuse and recycling — and is pursuing a transition to a circular economy. The plan is to reduce the amount of marine plastic waste generated by 60% by 2030 and to completely remove it, making it zero, by 2050. In addition, it is accelerating the supply of eco-friendly fishing gear, the collection of marine trash, and the development of recycling technology.
[A faucet dripping plastic bottles, exhibited next to the "international plastic negotiation venue" in Ottawa, Canada © Reuters]
Production Management Rather Than Waste Management, but Complex Interests
On the plastic issue, all respondents in a survey of the government delegations of 27 countries that recently participated in the "UN Global Plastics Treaty" negotiations expressed great concern about the impact of plastic pollution on human health. Some delegations even pointed out that plastic is being detected in human organs, blood, and even in the bodies of fetuses. Amid the international community's such worry, the "Global Plastics Treaty" final negotiation is scheduled for this coming August in Geneva, Switzerland.
But ahead of much discussion, there are also loud voices that reducing plastic production should take priority over waste management or recycling. This is because current plastic recycling and waste management alone find it hard to keep up with the rapidly increasing plastic use, so much plastic still flows into the natural environment. However, as the main raw material of plastic is petroleum, major oil-producing countries such as China and the US and the petrochemical industry strongly oppose production reduction, citing maintaining industrial competitiveness, so preparing a solution is not easy.
[Marine trash floating in the sea © UNEP]
If Production Cannot Be Reduced, Solve Plastic Pollution Through Technological Advancement
Thanks to plastic, humanity has enjoyed much convenience. If plastic cannot be avoided entirely right away, alternatives are needed, so the development of substitute materials such as bioplastics and research on microplastic-removal technology are actively under way. At existing fishing sites, "ghost fishing" — in which marine life gets caught and dies in lost fishing gear made from plastic-based synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyethylene — occurred. Because of this, "biodegradable fishing gear (nets, traps, etc.)," which naturally decomposes over time by water and carbon dioxide, is being used.
Of course, 100% biodegradation of the bioplastics currently distributed in the market is difficult, and there is controversy over whether their environmental problems are sufficiently resolved. For problems that cannot be solved in a short time, direction matters. Experts emphasize that only when scientific research, policy, and international cooperation combine, aiming to solve the problem, can this complex plastic-pollution problem be solved. When government, companies, and civil society pool their strength and take an active interest in reducing plastic use, expanding recycling, and developing effective technology, we will be able to pass on a healthy sea and a sustainable Earth to the next generation.
By Editor L