The average amount of plastic packaging waste generated by a single EU citizen per year is 36 kilograms. Longer-term projections are equally grim, with the amount of plastic waste estimated to triple by 2060 globally. Increasing consumption is driving the search for alternatives—biodegradable and durable materials that would not only replace but also outperform synthetic plastics. The average amount of plastic packaging waste generated by a single EU citizen per year is 36 kilograms. Longer-term projections are equally grim, with the amount of plastic waste estimated to triple by 2060 globally. Increasing consumption is driving the search for alternatives—biodegradable and durable materials that would not only replace but also outperform synthetic plastics. Environment Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories