- 1 Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production.
- 2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- 3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels.
- 4 By 2020, achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes.
- 5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
If everyone lived like people in high-income countries, we would need 3 Earths.
1.3 billion tonnes of food — one third of all food produced — is wasted annually.
Only 9% of the world's plastic has ever been recycled.
The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions.
The world has made some progress toward sustainable consumption, but global material use has doubled since 1990 and is still rising. Circular economy models and corporate sustainability reporting are spreading, but consumer behaviour and production volumes remain far outside planetary boundaries.
What We've Accomplished
- Over 70 countries adopted National Programmes of Action on Sustainable Consumption and Production.
- The circular economy grew rapidly in Europe — EU waste recycling rates rose from 37% to 48% between 2000 and 2022.
- Over 10,000 companies now report sustainability data through the Global Reporting Initiative.
- Sweden leads with a 'repair revolution' — reduced VAT on repairs and second-hand goods to cut waste.
- Food waste reduction became law in France in 2016, banning supermarkets from throwing away unsold food.
2030 Outlook
Off Track
Global material footprints are 60% above sustainable levels and rising. Food waste targets have not been met: 1.3 billion tonnes are still wasted annually. Only 8.6% of the global economy is circular — meaning over 91% of materials used are still wasted or destroyed. Single-use plastic production has quadrupled since 1980 despite pledges. No region is on track to decouple economic growth from resource consumption at the pace required.
Leading Nations
Sweden
Leads Europe in circular economy legislation; 'repair revolution' law reduced VAT on repairs and second-hand goods.
Germany
World's most advanced waste separation and recycling system; over 65% of municipal waste recycled.
Japan
Mottainai culture drives world-class waste prevention; law-mandated 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) framework.
Netherlands
Ambition to halve raw material use by 2030; pioneering product-as-a-service and industrial symbiosis models.
Denmark
Leads in sustainable product design regulations and green public procurement standards across the EU.