This document provides an action-oriented strategy by identifying a core set of priority solutions to be implemented by targeted stakeholders from the whole plastics value chain under different time horizons, and at different geographical scales. It aims to reduce the leakage of plastics into the environment as well as its associated impacts, and improve the circularity of the plastics value chain. This roadmap can be used as a reference by funding agencies, governments and civil society organizations to define the scope of their respective strategies on specific working areas and topics, and to facilitate and scale up the interventions on plastic pollution.

Building on two previous reports developed by Component 3 under the GEF Marine Plastics Project ((1) stocktaking of the global plastic value chain and (2) hotspot mapping of sources of plastics leakage by sector and by geography), this report identifies gaps to address marine plastics at each value chain stage, and recommends actions to be taken by different stakeholders to achieve a circular economy for plastics as the global level. The report also recommends action in priority sectors where plastic waste is substantial and impacts on the environment are high.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation New Plastics Economy (NPEC) initiative is an ambitious, global project with the aim of building unstoppable momentum towards a restorative and regenerative plastics system. Applying the principles of a circular economy, the initiative brings together key stakeholders to rethink and redesign the future of plastics, starting with packaging. This report is a synthesis of the Evidence Base research carried out over the past three years as part of the initiative.

Reusable packaging is a USD 10+ billion innovation opportunity that can deliver significant user and business benefits. It is a critical part of the solution to eliminate plastic pollution. This work provides a framework to understand reuse, identifies six major benefits of reuse, and maps 69 reuse examples.

Beaumont et al. (2019) estimates the ecosystem service impacts of the presence of marine plastic, with implications for human health and wellbeing, linked particularly to fisheries, heritage and charismatic species, and recreation.

This report provides an overview, impact assessment and learnings from the $2 million New Plastics Economy Innovation Prize, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

This document is the first in a series of annual Global Commitment progress reports. It sets a clear baseline for measuring progress by leading businesses and governments towards creating a circular economy for plastics.