Introduction to the Plastic Footprint Network

Leading organisations have united within the Plastic Footprint Network (PFN) to chart a new approach to plastic pollution mitigation. The network’s first priority was unifying the framework for measuring plastic leakage into a single, science-based methodology. Over 100 professionals from 35 organisations worked to establish the resulting methodology, which consists of 11 modules, all optimised for usability and delivery of actionable results (p.2).

Objectives

The PFN enables organisations to understand the full impact, or footprint, from the use of plastic in their companies, products, and services. The four key objectives are: (1) update and unify plastic footprinting methodologies; (2) ensure the methodology is used consistently by practitioners; (3) disseminate and scale the use of plastic footprinting; and (4) explore links with plastic credit schemes and prevent greenwashing claims (p.3).

What are the objectives of this module?

This guidance serves as a comprehensive, step-by-step manual for practitioners seeking to use the PFN methodology in assessing their plastic footprint. It provides clear directions on how to navigate through the various modules and helps users understand the specific paths to follow.

Where does this module fit in the PFN landscape?

The guidance module sits within the broader PFN framework, which includes both strategic and technical modules. Several new modules were added in 2024, covering target setting and mitigation, alignment with environmental reporting standards, and additional microplastic sources such as micro pellets, micro paint, micro agriculture and construction (p.5).

Strategic and technical modules

There are two types of modules. Strategic modules set the goal and rules for scoping a plastic footprint, framing the project and setting priorities for data collection and communication. Technical modules cover the technical and operational aspects, including system maps, calculation routes, and default datasets.

Users are advised to read every strategic module and the “Technical introduction to plastic leakage” module first, to understand the main definitions, concepts of loss, release, leakage, and the different calculation routes for macro and microplastics (p.7).

Structure of each technical module

Each technical module is organised into three layers of increasing complexity: (1) methodological choice, providing a general overview for a broad audience; (2) system map and calculation routes, with more detailed methodology for scientists and experts; and (3) key data and background assumptions, containing secondary data for those performing assessments. Users are advised to read at least the first layer of each technical module for a complete understanding of plastic pollution (p.8).

Summary of all modules content

The methodology spans strategic modules — Introduction to plastic footprint, Scopes and boundaries, and Data governance — as well as technical modules covering macroplastics (Packaging, Textile, Fishing gears, Leakage from export, Release rates), microplastics (Microplastic from tires, Micro textile fibres), and an Impact module using the MariLCA methodology. A Glossary module is also included (p.9).

How to proceed in a plastic footprint

Assessing a plastic footprint is an iterative process. Depending on data quality, scope, and markets considered, users may need to repeatedly review and refine the various steps. Companies are advised to start small — for example, one market — and widen the scope by iteration, or alternatively start wide with less detail and deepen by iteration (p.12).

Our commitment to continuous improvement

The PFN’s collaboration is built on being open, non-competitive and productive, leveraging science, and broadly empowering global stakeholders — including product manufacturers, brand owners, treaty negotiators, regulators, consultants, and NGOs. The network welcomes feedback on this document to continue enhancing and refining the methodology (p.13).