The technologies to reduce plastic pollution largely exist. So why do so few of them ever reach scale?

That question ran through UNDP's Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP) Workshop and Exhibition, held in Shenzhen in June 2026 with the support of the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund.

More than 80 participants from six countries – China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia and Viet Nam – came together with government, businesses, academia, NGOs and global experts to examine how plastics innovation moves from inspiration to scale-up. Over three days, delegates explored China's innovation landscape, tested behaviour-centred design methods, and visited Shenzhen businesses working on refill and alternative packaging solutions.

This report captures the key takeaways and recommendations from the workshop, including insights on business model innovation, behaviour change, and how to attract investment.