Objectives

Six Objectives. One Mission: Cleaner Oceans.

Building on previous efforts in individual regions, the world plastics organizations that have joined the Global Plastics Alliance and signed the “Global Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter” have agreed to focus projects to address marine litter on these six key objectives:

1. Raising Awareness

The global plastics industry works in public-private partnerships, which should then be adapted to and implemented on regional/national levels, in order to raise more marine litter awareness around the world. We are convinced that greater commitment to public education and outreach, and more partnerships with local governments, communities and industries will help solve the marine litter issue.

2. Research for Facts

Quantifiable targets for reducing marine debris are needed and must be based on scientific assessments of impacts. Verification of reduction will indeed rely on a timely and scientifically-sound assessment of marine litter in the marine environment.

In order to help develop better solutions, the global plastics industry works with the scientific community and researchers to better understand and evaluate the scope, origins, impacts of marine litter.

3. Promoting Best Policies

As acknowledged by The Honolulu Strategy: A Global Framework for Prevention and Management of Marine Debris, developing and promoting compliance with waste management legislation and policies would increase capacity and infrastructure. This will help improve user compliance with best waste management practices, which in turn would reduce overall amounts of solid waste introduced into the ocean from land-based sources.

Therefore, the global plastics industry promotes comprehensive science-based policies and enforcement of existing laws to prevent marine litter.

4. Spreading Knowledge

The Global Declaration has the potential to become an international exchange platform for best practices – not just for the plastics industry, but also for additional stakeholders involved with marine litter and plastics waste management.

This is why signatories of the declaration are committed to sharing knowledge regarding eco-efficient waste management systems and practices. Especially in communities and countries that border our oceans and watersheds.

5. Enhanced Recovery

Worldwide plastics producers aim to enhance opportunities to recover plastic products for recycling and energy recovery. Plastics makers and recyclers have invested billions of dollars to help support the infrastructures to recycle plastic packaging. We also continue to develop new, innovative programs to collect additional plastics products. More and more communities across the world are turning to recycling as an effective way to help the environment and prevent marine litter.

6. Preventing Pellet Losses

We steward the transportation and distribution of plastic resin pellets and products from supplier to customer, to prevent product loss and encourage our customers to do the same.