On November 29, 2024, significant global concerns about plastic production were highlighted as experts warned that annual plastic production could triple by 2060. Currently, around 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year, with approximately 20 million tons entering the environment, while the global recycling rate remains at a mere nine percent.
In California, Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, accusing the company of aggressively promoting fossil fuel-based plastic products and misleading the public about the effectiveness of recycling in addressing the plastic waste crisis. The lawsuit claims that ExxonMobil has deceived Californians for nearly fifty years regarding the potential solutions for plastic waste.
Mark James from the Vermont Law and Graduate School noted that oil and gas companies have actively created markets for plastic products, influencing consumer behavior under the guise of recyclability. In response to the allegations, ExxonMobil contended that California was aware of the inefficacy of its recycling system yet failed to take action.
Levi Alvares, a representative from the International Center for Environmental Law, emphasized the importance of the California lawsuit in publicly connecting plastic production to fossil fuel companies. Despite ExxonMobil's claims of innovative recycling technologies, critics argue that these methods will only address a minuscule fraction of the plastic produced and serve primarily as public relations strategies.
The outcome of the California lawsuit could have far-reaching implications, potentially setting a precedent for similar legal actions worldwide against fossil fuel companies regarding their role in plastic pollution. Legal experts anticipate further lawsuits in the U.S. and beyond, which could leverage evidence from the Exxon case to challenge issues like microplastics and greenwashing.