Real Cost of Plastic Is Far Beyond the Price Tag
December 19, 2025
Plastic is often described as cheap, convenient, and efficient. At checkout, it looks that way. But new research makes clear that plastic is only cheap because its real costs are being paid somewhere else.
A recent report from Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability estimates that the social cost of plastic in the United States alone reaches as high as $1.1 trillion every year. That figure reflects the accumulated impacts of plastic across its entire lifecycle, from fossil fuel extraction and manufacturing to public health, environmental damage, waste management, and climate pollution. The researchers emphasize that this estimate is likely conservative, noting significant data gaps that make it difficult to fully capture plastic’s true toll.
A Broader Way to Account for Plastic’s Impact
This concept of “social cost” reframes the plastic conversation. It moves the issue beyond recycling rates and litter and toward a more honest accounting of who ultimately pays. The price printed on a product does not include the health care costs associated with toxic exposure, the taxpayer dollars spent managing plastic waste, or the long-term environmental damage linked to plastic production and disposal.
That message came through clearly in a recent episode of NRDC’s What the Earth? where Margie Kelly spoke with Renée Sharp, NRDC’s director of plastics and petrochemical advocacy. Sharp connected the Duke findings to everyday life in direct terms.
“Plastic is fake cheap,” Sharp said. “It looks cheap. It seems cheap. It is not cheap. The real costs show up in our health, our communities, and our environment.”
The Duke report puts numbers behind that statement. Health related impacts account for a significant portion of the estimated cost, including increased disease burden, lost productivity, and premature deaths linked to pollution and chemical exposure. Environmental contamination, climate emissions from fossil fuel-based plastics, and the cost of cleanup and waste management add hundreds of billions more.
When Plastic Pollution Becomes Personal
What makes this moment different is where the science is now pointing. Researchers have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placental tissue, arterial plaque, and brain tissue. Plastic pollution is no longer something that exists only in oceans or landfills. It is now inside the human body.
Sharp addressed that shift directly in the interview, noting that people did not consent to this exposure. Plastic was marketed as a miracle material, she explained, without any warning that it would fragment into microscopic particles that end up in our air, water, food, and organs.
This growing body of evidence is changing how plastic is perceived across political and cultural lines. Public concern is expanding beyond aesthetics and waste toward human health and long-term societal cost. The Duke analysis provides policymakers, businesses, and communities with a framework to evaluate plastic not by convenience alone, but by its real impact on people and systems.
If plastic were priced honestly, the market would look very different. Until then, understanding the social cost of plastic is a critical step toward safer materials, smarter policy, and choices that put human health first.
Another major report on microplastics just landed in California, and it underscores exactly why RWDC exists. The products people use every day are shedding microscopic plastic particles into the air we breathe and the food we eat. The solution isn’t more filters, warnings, or end-of-life fixes. It’s better materials, designed from the start to protect human health. Another Day, Another Disturbing Report California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released its latest overview of microplastics in consumer products, and the findings confirm what researchers, health advocates, and early movers like RWDC have been emphasizing for years: exposure isn’t occasional, incidental, or tied to a single product category. It’s structural. It’s routine. And it’s happening inside homes, schools, restaurants, and workplaces every day. The report tracks how familiar items shed microplastics through ordinary use. Baby bottles made from polypropylene release particles when heated or shaken during formula preparation. Plastics used in food packaging — from beverage bottles and caps to cling films, snack wrappers, and polystyrene takeout containers — shed microplastics under heat, friction, and simple mechanical stress. Children’s toys, especially slimes, foams, polymer clays, and glitter-based products, transfer primary microplastics to hands, surfaces, and mouths. Even products most people never consider contribute to this ongoing cycle. Water-based interior paints release microplastics when brushes and rollers are washed out, and dried paint layers shed particles into indoor dust over time. Detergents and fabric softeners rely on polymers and fragrance microcapsules that persist through wastewater treatment and travel into waterways. Agricultural plastic film mulch breaks down directly into soil, affecting everything from microbial communities to crop health. When these pathways converge, the picture becomes impossible to dismiss: microplastics flow into our environment, and our bodies, because the materials at the foundation of consumer products were never designed with human health in mind. They were designed for convenience, cost, and scale. RWDC: Built to Change the Game The encouraging element in DTSC’s findings is its acknowledgment that alternatives already exist. Glass, stainless steel, cellulose, mineral-based materials, paper systems, and genuinely biodegradable biopolymers, including PHA, offer realistic, high-performance options that do not leave behind persistent particles. These are not hypothetical materials. They are commercially viable today. What’s needed now is commitment — from regulators, manufacturers, and brands who understand that the era of microplastic-dependent product design is ending. California’s report will influence which products are designated as “Priority Products,” triggering reformulation requirements and accelerating the shift to safer materials. Globally, the movement is already gaining traction, with the European Union phasing out several categories of intentionally added microplastics by 2029. Time for Action The momentum is real. The science is clear. And the opportunity is enormous. Microplastic exposure may be a daily reality, but it doesn’t have to be our future. RWDC is leading the shift toward materials that protect human health and return safely to the earth. It’s the only path forward where the products we rely on add value to our lives without leaving a permanent trace.
Recent groundbreaking research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed a disturbing connection between microplastics and cardiovascular health. The study found that patients with microplastics in their arterial plaque faced 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those without plastic particles present. This research, conducted in Italy, examined plaque removed from 257 patients' carotid arteries. A striking 58% of samples contained measurable amounts of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride - common plastics found in everyday items. These findings underscore the urgent need for alternatives to traditional plastics that won't break down into harmful microplastics. Path Forward As Dr. Philip Landrigan noted in his editorial accompanying the study, "inaction is no longer an option." The evidence is clear: The convenience of traditional plastics comes at a cost far higher than previously understood . The development of truly biodegradable materials has become crucial for both environmental and human health. Commitment to Change At RWDC Industries, we're addressing this critical health and environmental challenge through innovative PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) technology. Unlike traditional plastics that fragment into harmful microplastics, PHA completely biodegrades in natural environments, leaving no toxic trace. Working with global brand owners, we're developing PHA-based materials that meet the rigorous standards of consumer products while ensuring environmental and human safety. Our commitment goes beyond creating eco-friendly alternatives – we're working to eliminate the very source of microplastic pollution. Through innovation and commitment to sustainability, we're helping create a future where plastic pollution – and its health implications – are a thing of the past.
Strategic investment accelerates development of the first commercial-scale PHA facility, driving global adoption of eco-friendly plastics to mitigate environmental and health concerns
Dr. Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and CEO of RWDC Industries, recently participated in the "How is Environmental Sustainability Transforming Packaging Today and in the Future?" panel at the Future of Packaging Conference. The panel discussion focused on the urgent need to address the global microplastics problem and the role of sustainable packaging solutions in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution. During the panel, Dr. Carraway emphasized that while recycling is an important aspect of managing plastic waste, it alone is not sufficient to solve the crisis. In fact, recent studies have shown that recycling processes can contribute to the generation of microplastics, which can then enter the environment and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Dr. Carraway highlighted the potential of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) as a game-changing solution for replacing petroleum-based plastics. PHA is a 100% natural, biodegradable polymer that can be used to create a wide range of packaging products, from rigid containers to flexible films. Unlike traditional plastics, PHA can biodegrade in various environments, including soil, water, and marine settings, without leaving behind harmful residues. The panel also discussed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including global brand owners, legislatures, and single-use plastic manufacturers, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging materials like PHA. Dr. Carraway emphasized that by working together, we can drive the transition away from conventional plastics and create a more sustainable future for packaging. RWDC Industries is at the forefront of this transition, developing a large-scale PHA production facility and partnering with global brands to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions. With the increasing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, the demand for sustainable alternatives like PHA is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to recognize that recycling alone is not the answer. By embracing innovative materials like PHA and working collaboratively to drive change, we can significantly reduce the global microplastics problem and create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.
Next phase of partnership will increase global availability and adoption of natural alternative to petroleum-based plastics
Combined expertise will accelerate scale-up of sustainable materials production to reduce global reliance on single-use, petroleum-based plastics
Members of RWDC Industries were invited by the United States delegation to attend the second session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (UN-INC2) last month in Paris. Over 1500 delegates were granted access to the general sessions, while more than 3000 additional attendees were on hand to meet with delegates. During a stakeholder session, RWDC Chief Commercial Officer Blake Lindsey presented to the US delegation and Larke Williams, the Lead Plastic Pollution Negotiator at U.S. Department of State, a general overview on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and its benefits. “Attending these events allows us to help create awareness about the value of PHA,” said Lindsey. “RWDC is playing a major role in supporting industry efforts to clarify what PHA is and what it isn’t.” In addition to attending the stakeholder session, RWDC also met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and members of the White House staff. RWDC is assisting PHA industry leaders like fellow UN-INC2 attendees Dr. Bryan Haynes, of Kimberly-Clark, and Anindya Mukherjee, co-founder of GO!PHA, to help educate and raise awareness about the benefits of PHA so global government officials understand the impact it can have as a replacement for single-use, petroleum-based plastics. “It is important for global policymakers to understand the differences between petroleum-based plastics and biobased alternatives, why replacing is more important than recycling, and why biobased alternatives should not be left off acceptable materials lists supported by government agencies,” said Lindsey. In addition to attending important industry event, RWDC also has joined INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, following an invitation from Kimberly-Clark, meeting with INDA officials during UN-INC2 to further enhance industry exposure. RWDC also has been invited to join The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty as a result of discussions at UN-INC2. The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective, and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. The coalition is convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, in collaboration with aligned businesses and supported by strategic NGO partners. Representatives of this NGO attended the UN-INC2, including government relations representatives for Walmart, PepsiCo, and Coca Cola. We will continue to forge these important relationships until governments, policymakers, lobbyists, global brand owners, and consumers see PHA as THE solution to the global plastic crisis.
WAYNE, Pa., and ATHENS, Ga., — Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) and RWDC Industries LLC announced today a partnership to further the development of sustainably advantaged paper and board packaging solutions by bringing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) dispersion technology to target markets. This exclusive agreement builds on the partners’ ongoing efforts to optimize PHA dispersions for paper and paperboard barrier coating applications. Rising regulatory and consumer pressure is driving demand for sustainable replacements for non-recyclable packaging materials and chemistries, such as extruded polyethylene laminates and fiber processing with fluorochemicals. Trinseo and RWDC aim to meet this need using PHA dispersion technology to create water-based barrier coatings that are recyclable in traditional paper processes, organically recyclable via composting, and biodegradable in soil and marine environments. “We are constantly striving to refine our product portfolio to deliver innovative, customer-centric products that solve material challenges with tailored, sustainable solutions,” said Andre Hugentobler, Global New Business Development and Technology & Innovation Director, Latex Binders, Trinseo. “Our partnership with RWDC is a perfect example of a combined approach that allows both partners to focus on what they do best and jointly deliver technical solutions that will benefit our customers and the markets they serve.” “Our new partnership with Trinseo is a critical step in our journey to bring Solon™ PHA forward as an innovative material solution for an application that has high-performance requirements while being environmentally safe,” said Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer for RWDC Industries. “This is an exciting time for RWDC, and we are pleased to be working alongside global leaders like Trinseo to bring both best- and first-in-class materials to the marketplace.” This partnership recognizes the strength both companies bring in providing cutting-edge materials, technical solutions, and development capabilities to answer immediate calls for chemistry that supports sustainable packaging solutions. Together, Trinseo and RWDC Industries will combat the challenges the world faces with single-use, non-recyclable packaging waste and fluorochemical treatments used in barrier coatings. About Trinseo Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a specialty material solutions provider, partners with companies to bring ideas to life in an imaginative, smart and sustainably focused manner by combining its premier expertise, forward-looking innovations and best-in-class materials to unlock value for companies and consumers. From design to manufacturing, Trinseo taps into decades of experience in diverse material solutions to address customers’ unique challenges in a wide range of industries, including building and construction, consumer goods, medical and mobility. Trinseo’s approximately 3,400 employees bring endless creativity to reimagining the possibilities with clients all over the world from the company’s locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Trinseo reported net sales of approximately $5.0 billion in 2022. Discover more by visiting www.trinseo.com and connecting with Trinseo on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and WeChat. About RWDC Industries RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, and its operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, forecasts, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," “believe,” "intend," "forecast," "outlook," "will," "may," "might," "see," "tend," "assume," "potential," "likely," "target," "plan," "contemplate," "seek," "attempt," "should," "could," "would" or expressions of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s evaluation of information currently available and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause future results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully execute our business and transformation strategy; increased costs or disruption in the supply of raw materials; increased energy costs; our ability to successfully generate cost savings and increase profitability through asset restructuring initiatives; compliance with laws and regulations impacting our business; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; and those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part I, Item 1A —"Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our other reports, filings and furnishings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. As a result of these or other factors, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. Press Contacts: Trinseo: Bregje van den Braak bvandenbraak@trinseo.com RWDC Industries: S. Blake Lindsey +1 706 363 3040 x103 +1 678 372 3510 (cell) blindsey@rwdc-industries.com
Combined innovation, experience and strengths of Lummus and RWDC offers real solutions for the circular economy
Across the globe, many people and businesses do their best to recycle. We all want to keep our earth clean, and trash out of our streets and ecosystems, and recycling is a good way to do that — right? While not for lack of good intentions by many, recycling does not work as sufficiently as one might think. The world has generated seven billion tonnes of plastic waste, but less than 10 percent has been recycled . The 90 percent of plastic that is not recycled should go to a landfill, but often it makes its way into our environment, particularly our waters, where it can persist for hundreds of years. According to a report from the University of Georgia and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. This flow of plastic into our oceans is not expected to slow down either. A report from researchers at the PEW Charitable Trust found that plastic entering the oceans will triple by 2040 if we continue business as usual. Plastic is not just a sore sight; plastic waste also endangers wildlife. According to a fact sheet sponsored by the United Nations , "plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish." In addition, plastic in the ocean micronizes and accumulates in the fish we eat. The fish we eat then become one of many sources of microplastic ingestion by humans , where it can then potentially accumulate in our blood . The obvious answer to plastics' threat to our ecosystems, wildlife and potentially our health is to use bio-based materials like RWDC’s Solon™ PHA , a biovanescent material. This means Solon is entirely marine biodegradable and does not break down into microplastics. The novel material is also a 'drop in replacement' to existing plastic manufacturing processes and is cost-effective. Solon is safe for all life — plants, animals and humans alike. While Solon is the future, presently, individuals and companies must be educated on how and what they recycle. While most types of plastics cannot be recycled effectively, some can. Those materials that can be recycled are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In the United States, individuals can easily find what plastic an item is by looking for the resin identification code, which is a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in chasing arrows. In the U.S., the number 1 is PET, and the number 2 is HDPE. Any other number circled in chasing arrows should be thrown in the trash. It is important to remember that the chasing arrows on your plastic item indicate what type of plastic it is, not that it is recyclable! RWDC's partner Temasek has made a useful infographic that will help you remember which everyday items are recyclable. It also notes that recyclables should always be cleaned before throwing them in the bin! And for those living in Singapore, Temasek has included other important information on the status of recycling in Singapore and where individuals can recycle.
