Plastics are essential in modern society due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, but their overuse—especially single-use plastics—has caused severe environmental, social, and health impacts. Global plastic production rose from 2 million tons in 1950 to 460 million tons in 2019, with half intended for single use. Waste management systems are limited: only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% is mismanaged, leaking into the environment and contributing to pollution.

Plastics are also a major driver of climate change, responsible for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, mostly from fossil fuel-based production. If unchecked, plastic waste could reach 12 billion tons in landfills and nature by 2050.

Innovation is key to addressing this crisis. Solutions include developing sustainable alternatives to plastics, promoting reusable/refillable systems, improving waste management and recycling technologies, and strengthening governance and financing mechanisms. Despite progress, the adoption and scaling of such innovations remain limited.

To bridge this gap, UNDP, with support from the Government of China and UN DESA, is funding initiatives across six countries (China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, and Vietnam) to pilot and promote innovative solutions. The goal is to reduce plastic waste, foster circular economy practices, and share lessons that can be scaled globally.