Plastic Substitutes
Current Initiatives and Potential Options for the Pacific
Plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental concerns across the Pacific Region, with several Pacific leaders equating it to the challenge of tackling climate change.
As the drive to move away from plastics increases, there has been a growing demand for effective plastic substitutes which can be used instead, including non-plastic materials, such as minerals (e.g. clay, glass), natural products (e.g. coconut, cotton, jute and natural fibres), metals (especially aluminium) and marine based products (e.g. seaweed). Through the Pacific’s rich biomass and marine resource endowments, the region is uniquely positioned to offer various non-plastic substitutes though local and traditional knowledge and local practices.
This technical report provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities for plastic substitutes in the Pacific Region and draws on examples from various regions. This includes a reference to one of the SMEP Programme’s grantees under the Plastics Portfolio, Catchgreen and consortium partners, who are piloting biodegradable ropes to be used in seaweed farming, coral restoration and fishing nets.
This report is an output of UNCTAD’s Indo-Pacific Region work, an extended segment of their work with the SMEP Programme, focusing on sustainable manufacturing and plastic substitutes.