In an article published on August 11, 2020, industry association American Chemistry Council informed that “the Global Plastics Alliance (GPA) released its 5th Progress Report announcing approximately 395 marine litter prevention projects [that] have been planned, [are] underway, or [have been] completed as of early 2020.” The report also reveals that “the accounting of projects represents an increase of four times the amount since 2011,” the year when the GPA was formed as “a collaboration among plastic industry associations around the world.” The funded projects “vary widely, from beach clean ups to expanding waste management capacities, and from global research to awareness and education campaigns.”
A recent analysis by Pew Charitable Trusts estimated that all currently announced commitments would result in only 7% reduction of annual plastic flows into the ocean (FPF reported). Therefore, much larger investments should be devoted to supporting “resource-efficient and low-emission business models, reuse and refill systems, sustainable substitute materials, waste management technologies and effective government policies” instead of continuous expansion of virgin plastic infrastructure.
Read more
ACC (August 11, 2020). “The Global Plastics Alliance announces fourfold increase in projects to combat marine litter.”
Plastics Europe (August 11, 2020). “The Global Plastics Alliance announces fourfold increase in projects to combat marine litter.”
Sustainable Plastics (August 12, 2020). “Global Plastic Alliance reports steady progress on marine litter prevention projects.”
References
Marine Litter Solutions (August 11, 2020). “The Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter. 5th Progress Report.” (pdf)
Pew Charitable Trusts (July 23, 2020). “Breaking the Plastic Wave: Top Findings for Preventing Plastic Pollution.”
