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Projected changes in sectoral value added and final demand in 2030 and 2050 (relative to 2020)
Summary
This paper is not relevant to microplastics research — it is an OECD economic analysis projecting changes in sectoral value added and material demand through 2050 in the context of circular economy policy, with only brief general reference to plastics among many material types.
The past decades have witnessed unprecedented growth in the global consumption of raw materials.In light of a growing world population, improving living standards, changing consumer behaviour and changing production modes due to new technologies, this trend is expected to further increase and almost double by 2060, if decisive policy action is not taken.The continued increase in materials demand is expected to exert significant pressure on the environment, including intensification of land use, human toxicity and increases in greenhouse gas emissions, putting countries at risk of missing important environmental goals.Over the years, the OECD has accumulated extensive experience in developing policy recommendations in support of the transition to a resource-efficient circular economy, with analytical work focusing on topics as diverse as plastics, metal and other minerals, macroeconomic and labour market consequences, the role of digitalisation and trade.
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