Prevent problem plastics

We’re redesigning the plastics system, across the value chain — preventing waste and keeping the material out of the environment.

TRANSFORMING THE WORLD'S PLASTIC SYSTEMS

Urgent global action is essential to reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging and build a circular economy that benefits everyone.

We must act quickly and collaboratively, engaging the entire plastics value chain to address both ecological harm and social inequalities caused by the current linear system.

That's why WRAP is working with over 900 organisations across the globe to eliminate problematic plastics, scale up solutions, and drive systemic change.

Together we must create a circular system, keeping materials in the economy and out of our natural environment.
 

The issues

1.8 billion tonnes
There are 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions a year from global plastic production, use and disposal.
> 20 million
> 20 million informal workers are involved in the collection and recycling of plastic waste, most subject to unsafe working conditions.
5%
5% of the global carbon budget is expected to be spent on global plastics production by 2040.
10%
10% of the 142 million tonnes of plastic packaging produced each year is effectively recycled. The remainder is sent to landfill, incinerated or leaked directly into the environment representing $80 billion to $120 billion lost value.

Priority actions for preventing problem plastics

Elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastics

Elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastics

The Plastics Pact network uses common criteria to identify and eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastics in international markets.

So far, 11 Pacts have removed 360,000 tonnes of such plastics.

Scaling reuse and refill

Scaling reuse and refill

Reuse and refill systems are key to reducing single-use plastic packaging.

The Plastics Pact network is working with members to move from pilot projects to market-wide adoption, sharing insights to scale effective reuse and refill models.

Design for recyclability

Design for recyclability

All plastic packaging should be recyclable or compostable.

The Plastics Pact Network has supported industry changes, such as removing PET bottle colours and simplifying material streams, resulting in a 23% increase in the amount of packaging that is recyclable, reusable or compostable among Pact members globally.

Effective recycling

Effective recycling

The Plastics Pact Network is raising recycling rates by shifting plastic waste away from landfills and into the economy.

More than 5 million tonnes of plastic have been recycled, with average rates reaching 21%, and in the UK achieving 55%.

Inclusion of recycled content

Inclusion of recycled content

Plastic Pact members are reducing virgin plastic use by incorporating more recycled content. This reduces packaging’s carbon footprint.

So far, 2.2 million tonnes of virgin plastic have been replaced, with an average of 26% recycled content in packaging.

Delivering transformative change

  • The Plastics Pact Network

    The Plastics Pact Network

    Plastics Pacts have mobilised over 900 organisations in 19 countries around the world to collaborate towards a common vision and targets. Each Pact brings together businesses from across the full value chain, government bodies, NGOs and other stakeholders at national level.

  • The UK Plastics Pact

    The UK Plastics Pact

    The UK Plastics Pact - the trailblazer of the global network of Pacts, brings together businesses from across the plastics value chain, as well as UK governments and NGOs, to tackle the scourge of plastic waste. Pact members are responsible for over 75% of all consumer plastic packaging placed on the market in the UK. Their progress and actions have a significant impact.

  • Recycle Now

    Recycle Now

    Our Recycle Now campaign works with UK local authorities to educate and motivate citizens to increase recycling. A key resource is WRAP’s ‘Recycling Locator’ which enables people across the UK to find out where they can recycle specific items.

Progress and impact

  • Plastics Pacts - Scaling impact

    Plastic Pact Network Impact Report

    The Plastics Pacts are driving large-scale impact, eliminating billions of problematic plastics, improving reusability and recyclability by 23%, and boosting recycled content in packaging by 44%. Learn more in the Plastics Pact Network’s first impact report.

  • The UK Plastics Pact Annual Report 2022-23

    The UK Plastics Pact Annual Report

    Since 2018, UK Plastics Pact members have achieved a 99.6% reduction in problematic plastics and increased recycled content from 8% to 24%. Discover how we’re meeting targets and driving collective plastic action by downloading the latest report.

  • Global Treaty to end plastic pollution

    Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution

    A Global Plastics Treaty with binding rules would accelerate worldwide action. We're working with businesses, governments, and NGOs to end plastic pollution. Explore our involvement and views on key treaty elements.

Join us in leading the change

Together we can make Circular Living a reality.

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