Plastics Industry Answers Call to Help Stop Marine Litter
June 2020
Marine litter is human-created waste that has been intentionally or unintentionally discharged into the coastal or marine environment. Its harmful effects have led governments, private enterprises, environmental groups and countless citizens to take action.
In 2011, 47 plastics associations from around the world signed the Declaration of Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter to consolidate and leverage existing marine litter prevention efforts as well as generate additional innovative solutions.
Solving plastics litter requires global collaboration and bold actions. We need strong partnerships between an interconnected plastics value chain and all stakeholders, at the local, national, and global level, to solve this problem and roll-out innovative, sustainable solutions.
The Global Declaration also agreed to track and report on its collective progress. This is an executive summary overview of the 5th Progress Report issued in June 2020.
Projects Have Quadrupled Since 2011
As of early 2020, plastics associations launched, planned or completed 395 projects, from beach clean ups to awareness campaigns. This represents a 4x increase since the Global Declaration was announced. The projects include initiatives and solutions in six key areas:
Ending plastic waste in our ocean will require a more circular economy to keep plastics in productive use and out of our environment. It will require substantial improvements in recycling and waste infrastructure, changes in product design, and new business models to repurpose all sorts of used plastics.
Making Global Progress on a Global Problem
Every year, the plastics industry builds on its commitment to reduce marine litter by adding new members, reaching more countries and increasing its global projects.
2013
Members
Countries
Projects
2015
Members
Countries
Projects
2017
Members
Countries
Projects
2019
Members
Countries
Projects
Marine Litter Solutions Are Happening Worldwide
Humans cause marine litter – and humans have the power to stop it. This humble recognition has spurred people across the globe to fight the causes of marine litter. Every region around the globe demonstrates its dedication to preventing marine litter through innovative projects.
Projects per Region
- The Americas 141%
- Europe including Turkey & Russia 117%
- Asia 85%
- Africa 26%
- Australia/New Zealand 13%
- Global 8%
- Arabian Gulf 7%
The way forward is to work with all stakeholders from upstream manufacturers to downstream fabricators, brand owners, governments, NGOs, media, and consumers as a team through the circular economy to find more ways to end plastic waste.
