Global Plastics Innovation Workshop and Exhibition Opens in Shenzhen to Advance Solutions to Plastic Pollution 

June 30, 2026
Photograph of a conference hall during the Global Plastics Innovation Workshop and Exhibition.

The three-day Global Plastics Innovation Workshop and Exhibition, jointly hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences (SZAES), officially opened in Shenzhen, China on 24 June 2026. The event marks a key activity under the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP) – Incubation, Exhibition and International Cooperation to End Plastic Pollution, supported by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF). 

Focusing on systemic reform of the plastics value chain, with in-depth discussions on global innovation trends, market expansion, and investment, the workshop gathered delegates from China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Viet Nam, and experts from around the world. Participants convened to exchange experience, showcase innovative approaches and strengthen partnership to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and circular plastics systems.

Group of people posing for a conference photo in a large auditorium, with a blue banner in back

Advancing Innovation to Address Plastic Pollution 

Plastic pollution continues to pose significant environmental, social and economic challenges worldwide. Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced across the world each year, with less than 10% recycled. Conventional plastics take centuries to degrade and damage soil, groundwater and marine environments. While advances have been made in biodegradable materials and recycling technologies, most solutions remain at pilot stages due to technical, industrial, and financial barriers. 

The workshop provides a platform to connect innovators with policymakers, investors and industry representatives, helping to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. It also supports South-South cooperation by facilitating the exchange of practical experiences and lessons learned across developing countries. 

Male presenter at a podium with a blue backdrop; sign reads Global Plastic Innovation Workshop.

Opening the event, Vineet Bhatia, Senior Advisor of UNDP China, emphasized the need to scale innovative solutions and strengthen cooperation across countries. “Innovation is not just about ideas. It is about turning those ideas into real, scalable solutions that can make a difference on the ground,” he said. “While a global governance framework is essential, it cannot succeed without local solutions, on-the-ground action, and effective partnerships.” 

Photo of a woman speaker at a blue podium during Global Plastic Innovation Workshop and Exhibition.

Zhang Yali, Deputy Director of the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, highlighted Shenzhen’s efforts to advance waste reduction and resource circularity, and underscored the importance of international exchange and cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges. 

Female presenter at a podium with a blue backdrop and Global Plastic Innovation Workshop signage.
Photograph of a man in a beige blazer speaking at a podium on a blue stage.

Day 1 Focuses on Innovation, Insights and Cross-Border Exchange 

Under the theme “Innovation Inspiration,” the first day featured sessions on trend insights, case studies, innovator poster presentations and country perspective sharing.  

During the first session, UNDP specialists outlined the global strategy tackling plastic pollution, highlighted flagship initiatives, and introduced the GPIP implementation roadmap. 

In the Global Plastics Innovation Trends session, Dr. Jia Zhongnan from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Dr. Ji Xinye from the Shenzhen National High-Tech Industrial Innovation Center offered in-depth insights into global plastic innovation trends and China’s innovation ecosystem respectively.  

Representatives from Chinese enterprises also shared practical experiences in developing and scaling innovative solutions, highlighting both achievements and challenges in bringing new technologies and business models to market. 

Female speaker at a podium on a blue stage with a Global Plastic Innovation Workshop banner.
Speaker at podium with banner reading Global Plastic Innovation Workshop and Exhibition.
Panelists on stage at a Global Plastics Innovation Workshop and Exhibition, with an audience.

To encourage deeper engagement among participants, the event hosted a Plastics Innovation World Café, where GPIP-supported innovators showcased their initiatives and exchanged ideas with investors,  policymakers, and experts. In the Country Perspective Sharing session, delegations from participating countries also discussed local priorities, enabling peer learning and identifying opportunities for future collaboration. 

Group of attendees at a conference poster session, examining blue display boards.
Group of people in a conference hallway talking, wearing badges, blue glass walls behind.

Discussions during the workshop are expected to inform future cooperation on innovation, investment and policy approaches that support circular economy transitions and efforts to end plastic pollution. 

Over the coming days, participants will further explore plastic market trends in the coming decade, strategies for strengthening the sustainability of innovative projects, as well as opportunities to mobilize investment for circular economy development.  

By bringing together knowledge, technology, finance and policy perspectives, the GPIP workshop aims to contribute to global efforts to address plastic pollution and advance sustainable development.