Plastic causes climate change: the invisible dimension of the crisis

When we talk about climate change, most people first think of coal, oil and gas. What is less well known is that plastic also plays a significant role. This is because plastics are made almost exclusively from fossil raw materials - and leave a climate-damaging trail from the first drop of crude oil to the last scrap of waste.

Plastic starts with crude oil and natural gas

The production of plastic is predominantly based on crude oil and natural gas, the same fossil sources that are responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions. Drilling, extraction, transport and energy-intensive processing into plastic release enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. Methane is 84 times more harmful than CO₂. So even before the first packaging is on the shelf, plastic has already left a footprint that is harmful to the climate.

Production and processing

In chemical plants, oils and gases are broken down into basic substances such as ethylene or propylene. This process requires extremely high temperatures and energy - often again from fossil fuels. According to estimates, global plastic production causes more greenhouse gases each year than all air traffic. And the trend is rising.

Rising emissions from cosmetics and care products

A particularly growing share of greenhouse gas emissions comes from the production of cosmetics and personal care products. According to current analyses, emissions from this sector are expected to increase by around 30% by 2025 compared to the base year 2018. This is not only due to rising demand, but also to the complex manufacturing processes and the plastic packaging and liquid polymers used in the products (1).

Plastic in everyday life = more emissions

Further processing also has an impact: packaging, clothing made from polyester or synthetic fibres, medical products, car parts, electronics - plastic is everywhere. Every single step from moulding and dyeing to transport and cooling costs energy. As a result of growing demand, global CO₂ emissions continue to rise.

Waste problem exacerbates the climate crisis

The carbon footprint becomes even more serious at the end of the chain:

• Incineration: A large proportion of plastic waste ends up in waste incineration plants. During incineration, fossil carbons are converted into CO₂ - so every plastic bottle becomes an additional climate problem.
• Landfills: Landfills emit methane and other greenhouse gases when plastic is stored together with organic waste.
• Environmental pollution: Plastic waste in nature not only harms ecosystems, but also impedes natural carbon cycles. And the decomposition of plastic can also produce methane gases.

The global ramp-up of plastic production

While many countries are trying to reduce their coal and oil consumption, corporations are investing massively in new plastics factories. Forecasts show this: By 2050, the plastics industry could be responsible for up to 20 per cent of global oil consumption. Without countermeasures, plastic will become a key driver of the climate crisis.

What is necessary now

• Reduction: Avoiding unnecessary disposable products and packaging.
• Use alternatives: Use materials from renewable raw materials instead of fossil resources.
• Improve recycling: Create closed loops so that plastic does not have to be produced again and again.
• Political framework conditions: Strict rules and international agreements are needed to curb production and promote climate-friendly solutions.

Conclusion

Plastic is not only a waste and environmental problem, but also a climate problem. From oil wells to waste incineration, it contributes massively to global warming. Reducing plastic therefore not only protects the oceans, soil and living creatures - but also the climate. Looking at plastic as an "invisible fossil fuel industry" makes it clear: less plastic is an important building block in the fight against the climate crisis.

Source:

Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e.V. (IKW), Sustainability Report 2025