The article presents the first global analysis of all mass-produced plastics ever manufactured, estimating that 8300 million metric tons (Mt) of virgin plastics have been produced to date. By 2015, approximately 6300 Mt of plastic waste had been generated, with only 9% recycled, 12% incinerated, and 79% accumulated in landfills or the natural environment. If current trends continue, about 12,000 Mt of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050. The study highlights the rapid growth in plastics production, particularly in China, and the challenges posed by the lack of biodegradable options and the environmental impacts of plastic waste, including microplastics in marine and freshwater environments. The analysis also examines the recycling, incineration, and discard rates of plastic waste, noting that recycling rates are slowly increasing but remain low compared to the scale of plastic production. The authors emphasize the need for a well-designed management strategy to address the environmental challenges posed by the global growth in plastics production and use.The article presents the first global analysis of all mass-produced plastics ever manufactured, estimating that 8300 million metric tons (Mt) of virgin plastics have been produced to date. By 2015, approximately 6300 Mt of plastic waste had been generated, with only 9% recycled, 12% incinerated, and 79% accumulated in landfills or the natural environment. If current trends continue, about 12,000 Mt of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050. The study highlights the rapid growth in plastics production, particularly in China, and the challenges posed by the lack of biodegradable options and the environmental impacts of plastic waste, including microplastics in marine and freshwater environments. The analysis also examines the recycling, incineration, and discard rates of plastic waste, noting that recycling rates are slowly increasing but remain low compared to the scale of plastic production. The authors emphasize the need for a well-designed management strategy to address the environmental challenges posed by the global growth in plastics production and use.