Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme

plastics substitutes

From Evidence to Impact: SMEP’s footprint on the Global Plastics Treaty

With mounting evidence of the pervasive nature of the plastics pollution crisis, to the extent that micro-plastic is now found in Arctic ice and human bloodstreams, and global production exceeding 460 million tonnes per year, incremental solutions are no longer enough. The upcoming resumed session of the 5th round of negotiations for the Global Plastics […]

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From Geneva to Nice and back: SMEP’s circular route to ocean action

A new global coalition for seaweed has been announced at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on 13 June 2025 marking a milestone for ocean and climate resilience, pollution mitigation and equitable and sustainable trade. Echoing the call by UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD’s) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan to promote stronger governance of the ocean economy

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An ocean of waste and opportunity: Rethinking marine pollution at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference

On 8 June, the UN World Oceans Day invites us to “marvel at a realm that sustains half the planet’s oxygen, cradles most biodiversity and feeds over a billion people”. Yet by 2025, as countries convene for the third time at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, the seas remain choked with

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On the Road to Nice: Tackling ghost gear as 2025 deadline for marine pollution reduction nears

As the world edges closer to the 2025 global deadline to reduce marine pollution under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.1, momentum is building across governments, businesses, and international organisations to accelerate action for healthier oceans. The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice (9–13 June 2025) is a major checkpoint towards meeting our global commitment to reduce

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SMEP-funded Fresh Produce Impact Hub successfully launched its Policy Blueprint: Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics

On 10 April 2025 in Accra, Republic of Ghana, the SMEP-funded Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FreshPPact) successfully launched its latest report: Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics: A Policy Blueprint for a Thriving Plastic Substitutes and Alternatives Industry. The Policy Blueprint report is aimed at facilitating the transition to plastic alternatives and reducing plastic packaging. This report

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