Can I Recycle This?

Plastic pollution is a pressing global challenge, with millions of tons of plastic entering the marine environment annually, necessitating urgent and scalable solutions.

While businesses and policymakers have taken steps to combat plastic pollution, there is still much work to be done to transition towards sustainable consumption and production patterns, including the adoption of a circular economy that maximizes the value of plastics and minimizes waste. An often overlooked aspect of this transition is the role of consumers, whose purchasing decisions and disposal practices significantly impact production processes and plastic leakage.

To address this issue, the United Nations Environment Programme and Consumers International conducted a comprehensive global assessment of standards, labels, and claims related to plastic packaging, focusing on information about materials, production, recyclability, and disposal. The report encompasses fast-moving consumer goods and food and beverage products, providing valuable insights to guide efforts in reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable packaging practices.