Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme

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Biodegradability and compostability: Definitions and Standards Toolkit for Policymakers

Toolkit / By

Biodegradability and Compostability: Definitions and standards toolkit for policymakers This definitions and standards toolkit for policymakers is based on the SMEP Report “Reduction Management: Regional policies and standards on biodegradation and compostability in East and West Africa”. Developed by UNCTAD, the following list of recommended definitions has been based on the assessment of the most […]

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A review of parameters and requirements for an effective consumer label on plastics and plastics alternatives

Report / By

A review of parameters and requirements for an effective consumer label on plastics and plastics alternatives Labelling has played a crucial role in guiding consumer choices, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek civilisations, where symbols denoted the origin and authenticity of goods. Plastic labelling began in 1988 with the Resin Identification Codes (RIC), introduced

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UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update: Mobilising trade to curb plastics pollution

Policy brief / By

UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update Mobilising trade to curb plastic pollution Plastics have fuelled global growth across various industries, but at an increasing environmental, economic, and social cost. Today, plastic pollution represents a systemic and transboundary crisis, disproportionately affecting developing countries that have limited capacity for waste management. Drawing on several outputs from the SMEP Programme,

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Clarifying the taxonomy of plastics and bioplastics: Toward a ‘Zero-Trace Plastic’ material framework

Journal publication / By

Clarifying the taxonomy of plastics and bioplastics: Toward a ‘Zero-Trace’ Plastic’ (ZTP) Material Framework In this communication brief, the authors outline an important challenge, particularly distinguishing between the plastic substitutes (nature-based non-plastic materials) and plastic alternatives (better plastics in terms of biodegradability and compostability, but still plastic traces are available) to avoid existing ambiguity. Thus,

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On the road to Nice: Video gallery from the Marine-based Products and Services Expo at the 5th UN Oceans Forum 2025

Video / By

On the Road to Nice Video gallery from the Marine-based Products and Services Expo at the 5th UN Oceans Forum 2025 In the lead up to the global UN Oceans Conference 2025 to be held in Nice, France, the UN hosted its 5th UN Oceans Forum. During this forum, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and

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Leaving the shore: Marine-based plastic substitutes and alternatives to plastic

Report / By

Leaving the shore Marine-based substitutes and alternatives to plastic In response to this growing crisis, a United Nations Global Plastics Treaty is under negotiations. UNCTAD has been conducting research and advocating for the recognition of non-plastic substitutes and alternatives in the future treaty. This report builds on previous research and explores the role of marine-based

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Understanding visible light and microbe-driven degradation mechanisms of polyurethane plastics

Journal publication / By

Understanding visible light and microbe-driven degradation mechanisms of polyurethane plastics Pathways, property changes, and product analysis Developed under the SMEP-funded GIVO-Warwick project, lead by the University of Warwick, the below study investigates the role of microorganisms in the degradation of plastics. The accumulation of polyurethane plastics (PU-PS) in the environment is on the rise, posing

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Biodegradation of microplastics derived from controlled release fertiliser coating

Journal publication / By

Biodegradation of microplastics derived from controlled release fertiliser coating Selective microbial colonisation and metabolism in plastisphere Developed under the SMEP-funded GIVO-Warwick project, lead by the University of Warwick, the below study assesses the degradation process of controlled-release fertiliser (CRF) derived microplastics in soil.  Coated controlled-release fertilisers are widely used in agriculture, and the persistent presence

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