Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution: Global Project

Plastic pollution is a global problem impacting communities, wildlife, and habitats across the world. It is intrinsically linked to the linear take-make-waste economic model, with the amount of plastic waste produced globally forecast to triple under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2060. However, plastic is also a versatile material with many useful properties which people rely on every day to keep their food fresh, and ensure hygiene and safety of various products.

There is increasing recognition of the need to take a systemic, transformational approach to the plastic pollution crisis. So far, the majority of commitments and investments have focused on downstream solutions such as collection and recycling. More effort is needed on upstream solutions such as reduction, substitution, reuse, and redesign. The GEF-financed Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Program, co-led by UNEP and WWF, aims to trigger systems change to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy of plastics in the food and beverage sector, and prevent plastic pollution through upstream solutions such as reduction, substitution, reuse, and redesign.

The program will be delivered through a global platform project and a suite of 15 national projects that will integrate sectors, themes, and drivers, and engage governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The 15 national projects include: