Just as the world begins to realize the dangers of plastic pollution and take action to reduce it, industry is poised to invest billions in expanding plastic production. Over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, and the fossil fuel and plastic industries are deeply connected. Indeed, the shale gas boom in the United States is fueling a massive build-out of plastic infrastructure in the US and beyond.

In as little as five years, these investments could increase global plastic production capacity by a third, driving companies to produce ever greater volumes of plastic for years to come. If this plastic is produced, companies will find markets to consume it. Production will drive demand. This wave of investment increases pollution risks to frontline communities throughout the plastic supply chain and directly undermines efforts by cities, countries, and the global community to combat the growing plastic crisis.

CIEL exposes the linkages between the fossil fuel and plastic industries and advocates for real solutions to the plastic crisis that address the entire lifecycle of plastic, starting at the source. Our ongoing Fueling Plastics series addresses these questions, providing valuable research to activists and regulators alike. CIEL also works at the local level to support communities opposing new petrochemical infrastructure that would threaten their health and entrench plastic production for years to come.