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 […]
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
Leaving the shore: Marine-based plastic substitutes and alternatives to plastic Read More »
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
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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The operating performance of Modified Basalt Fibres (MBF) bio-nest reactor exposed to nano-plastics Developed under the SMEP-funded GIVO-Warwick project, lead by the University of Warwick, the below study is the first of its kind assessing Modified Basalt Fibre (MBF) bio-nests treating wastewater with exposure to nano plastic. Biological nests made of MBF serve as effective
Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with production on the rise and waste management struggling to keep up. The SMEP Programme aims to address plastic pollution by advancing the plastic policy, and this report provides an overview of SMEP’s role in the plastics policy landscape.
A showcase of SMEP’s work in the plastics policy landscape: A model for impact Read More »
Plastic pollution has a severe impact on oceans and marine life. This report, produced by the World Bank’s PROBLUE Programme, summarises actions that can be taken to manage abandoned, lost and otherwise discarded fishing gear, and features the SMEP grantee, Catchgreen, as a case study for biodegradable fishing gear.
Lost at Sea: Combating Abandoned, Lost, and Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear Read More »
A global shift towards non-plastic materials holds significant potential to deliver economic opportunities for the developing world. A new database tracking international trade in non-plastic substitutes is now available on UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) online Data Hub.
Database for tracking international trade in non-plastic substitutes Read More »