A showcase of SMEP's work in the plastics policy landscape
A model for impact
Plastic pollution is a global crisis with impacts felt in both developed and, in particular, developing countries.
Plastic production is on the rise and current estimates suggest a total global production of over 460 million tonnes of plastic, of which some is landfilled, incinerated, recycled or leaked into the environment. This results in detrimental human and environmental health impacts in conjunction with increasing greenhouse gas emissions (plastic production accounts for over 3% of the global total emissions). Urgent action is needed to reduce the use and production of plastic and ensure effective and efficient waste management practices, particularly in developing countries where plastic is a cheaper alternative to non-plastic substitutes, and where waste management systems are largely at capacity.
The Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme aims to address plastic pollution by advancing the policy landscape – a critical building block for effective pollution mitigation action. In partnership with UNCTAD, the SMEP Programme not only informs but also influences policy decisions addressing the full life cycle of plastics, with an emphasis on sustainable and safe material substitution, enhanced biodegradation options, and waste reduction.
This publication provides an overview of the SMEP Programme’s contributions to the plastic policy landscape across local, national and international levels.
