A circular economy for plastic
The Plastics Pact Network, convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WRAP, connects national and regional initiatives around the world to implement solutions towards a circular economy for plastic.
In 2018 WRAP, alongside partners the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, launched The UK Plastics Pact which has been the trailblazer for a global network of Pacts now operating on every populated continent. Our blueprint, based on collaborative systems change, is being used by national governments, businesses, and NGOs around the world all tackling the plastic pollution crisis.
It is these, and new partnerships like them, that will play a key role as a mechanism for nations to meet mandated obligations under the United Nations Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution.
Blueprint for action
Our vision is a circular economy for plastics, capturing their value by keeping them in the economy and out of the natural environment. A vision being realised around the world through a network of national and regional (multi-country) initiatives, working to a set of measurable targets tailored to each geography and based on a blueprint of:
- Elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastics
- Design for reuse and recyclability
- Effective recycling in practice and at scale
- Inclusion of recycled content
The Plastics Pact Network, convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WRAP, includes national plastic pacts in the UK, France, Chile, the Netherlands, South Africa, Portugal, the US, Poland, Canada, Kenya, India and Colombia. Regional pacts include the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands (ANZPAC) Plastics Pact.
Our recent report - Plastics Pacts - Scaling Impact reflects on the progress and impact of our Pact Network globally. Six years in, we have a proven model for tackling plastic pollution. In some countries, rates of recycled plastic in packaging have tripled. Thanks to Plastics Pacts, billions of items using problematic or unnecessary plastic have been eliminated.
For more detail on these critical findings, view the executive summary below.
Plastics Pacts - Scaling Impact
A proven model for tackling plastic pollution
The Global Plastics Pact Network
Working with us.
The success of our voluntary agreement approach has led to us working collaboratively with organisations around the world, to develop agreements that suit local requirements and priorities.
We work with in country partners to ensure each initiative is suitable and impactful in the region it is intended for and we work in collaboration with your organisation, bringing operational and technical expertise to help deliver impact in your country or region.
Action on Plastic Pollution
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Plastics Pacts - Scaling impact
A proven model for tackling plastic pollution
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From words to action: The Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution
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The UK Plastics Pact Annual Report 2022-23
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Global Sustainable Plastic Packaging Programme