Life in Plastic

This project explores the conflict between economic interests and ecological responsibility.

The animation illustrates the growing burden of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. It questions the relationship between increasing consumption, corporate profit, and environmental accountability.

Facts on plastic pollution and corporate impact:

Plastic is not only an environmental issue – it is deeply embedded in global economic systems. Multinational corporations such as Walmart, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and PepsiCo use vast amounts of plastic for packaging, especially for private label products. This visualization is based on publicly available data and shows a projection of plastic volumes through 2090, assuming a “business-as-usual” scenario (i.e. no major regulations or behavioral changes).

Key figures:

• In 2020, approximately 367 million tons of plastic were produced globally. Around 23% (~86 million tons) ended up in the oceans.
  Sources: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, NOAA, The Ocean Cleanup
• Walmart reported plastic packaging usage of approximately 1.2 million tons in the same year. No updated figures have been published since.
  Sources: Global Commitment Report 2021
• Walmart has publicly committed to reducing plastic use but stated in early 2025 that it is unlikely to meet the goals of the US Plastics Pact by 2025.
  Sources: US Plastics Pact
• Without regulatory action, global plastic waste could exceed 1 billion tons by 2090.
  Sources: NOAA, The Ocean Cleanup
• The visualization focuses on so-called garbage gyres in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
  Sources: The Ocean Cleanup, NOAA

Additional Note:
According to Wikipedia, Walmart heiress Alice Walton is among the twenty richest people in the world.
Alice Walton – Wikipedia

Further Reading:
A detailed analysis with sources, methodology, and legal context can be found in the PDF:
“Life in Plastic – Plastic Pollution, Corporate Profits & Projections to 2090”
[Read the full report here on our website.]