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They lied’: plastics producers deceived public about recycling, report reveals

Summary

A report by the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) reveals that plastic producers have been aware for over 30 years that recycling is not a economically or technically viable solution for plastic waste management. The industry, made aware of the challenges associated with recycling plastic, has consistently promoted it as a solution to the public. The report, based on internal documents and investigations, suggests that oil and petrochemical companies may have violated laws designed to protect the public from misleading marketing and pollution. Plastic, derived from oil and gas, is notoriously challenging to recycle due to the need for meticulous sorting and the material's degradation upon reuse. The report emphasizes the industry's historical knowledge of these challenges and its deceptive marketing campaigns.

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