The plastic lifecycle begins with oil and gas extraction. Plastic production turns fossil fuels products and chemical additives into plastic. Plastic products are then used by consumers and in industrial activities. After use, some plastic is recycled and returns to the plastic production stage of the plastic lifecycle. Most plastic is disposed of in formal landfills, informal dumpsites, or it is incinerated at an industrial facility or disposed of through open burning.
(Clockwise from top left): © Shutterstock; © Shutterstock; © 2022 Ute Grabowsky/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images; © 2018 Chris McGrath/Getty Images; © 2022 Human Rights Watch; © 2021 Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images