Introduction

Plastic pollution is identified as a major environmental challenge with global impacts on ecosystems, public health and economic systems. Rising plastic production has quadrupled over four decades, with global polymer resin and fibre output reaching several hundred million tonnes. Approximately 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic have reached end-of-life since the 1950s, yet only about 9% has been recycled and 12% incinerated. The remainder has accumulated in land and marine environments, contributing to habitat degradation, wildlife harm and blocked drainage systems.

The plastic industry accounts for an estimated 3% of the global economy, valued at around USD 580 billion in 2020. If current trends persist, by 2050 plastics could represent 20% of global oil demand. Plastic packaging, the largest application of plastics, generates substantial externalities, with an annual estimated cost of USD 40 billion and an economic value loss of USD 80–120 billion due to unrecovered materials.

The report responds to requests made under United Nations Environment Assembly resolutions to strengthen guidance on sustainable consumption and production. It emphasises the need for systemic, upstream interventions along the plastics value chain, particularly in packaging, where leakage into the marine environment is highest. Stakeholders across government, business, civil society and international organisations collaborated under the One Planet Network to consolidate solutions supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12.

Circular approaches to plastic pollution

A value-chain approach is used to examine how plastic leakages occur at production, use and end-of-life stages. The report highlights that 30% of global plastics are used in packaging, and this category contributes more than 62% of items collected in coastal clean-ups. Lightweight, high-volume packaging (e.g., PET bottles, polystyrene containers) is readily lost to the environment and widely ingested by marine species.

Systemic opportunities for intervention include designing for reuse, improving recyclability, scaling alternative materials, and enhancing waste management infrastructure. Microplastic losses also occur through tyre abrasion, textile washing, road markings and cosmetic products. Soil contamination is estimated to be 4–23 times greater than marine microplastic contamination.

The One Planet Network identifies the use stage as a critical intervention point. Consumer awareness, sustainability information, accessible alternatives and reliable labelling are essential to influencing behaviour. A shift from end-of-life solutions to upstream measures is encouraged to prevent leakages and reduce reliance on virgin plastics.

Solutions to reduce the use of plastic packaging

The report outlines a set of coordinated solutions developed across programmes in consumer information, lifestyles and education, public procurement and tourism.

Providing reliable and quality information to consumers.

Findings from a global review of standards, labels and claims show that inconsistent or unclear sustainability information limits consumer decision-making. Recommendations include aligning labels with international guidelines, improving transparency and ensuring claims reflect verifiable environmental performance.

Governments leading by example through procurement.

Sustainable procurement practices can reduce demand for problematic packaging. Guidance includes integrating plastic-reduction criteria into tender processes, prioritising reuse systems and selecting verified recycled-content products.

Engaging households and consumers.

Behaviour change measures such as nudging, awareness campaigns and community initiatives can reduce demand for single-use plastics. Effective approaches highlight alternatives, clarify disposal options and incentivise reuse.

Engaging key sectors such as tourism.

Tourism is identified as a significant contributor to marine litter. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative encourages operators to eliminate unnecessary plastics, move to reuse models and enhance waste management practices. Collaboration with businesses demonstrates how sector-specific commitments can reduce plastic leakage.

Recommendations and conclusions

The report presents key messages for governments, businesses and stakeholders. Governments are encouraged to adopt consistent standards, support innovation, strengthen waste infrastructure and integrate circularity into procurement and policy. Businesses are urged to improve product transparency, redesign packaging for reuse and recyclability, and engage in sector initiatives such as the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.

The report concludes that multistakeholder collaboration, systemic approaches and strengthened sustainability information are central to reducing plastic pollution and progressing toward circular economy outcomes.