♻️
Plastic Waste • Circular Economy • Global Partnership • Climate Action • GPAP Expansion

Global Plastic Action Partnership Expands to 25 Nations, Amplifying Circular Economy Goals

In a landmark development, the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), initiated by the World Economic Forum, has extended its network to 25 countries, representing a population of over 1.5 billion people. The addition of Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania marks a significant step forward in the global fight against plastic pollution and climate change.

🌍 About GPAP and Its Mission

GPAP’s central mission is to combat plastic waste through a circular economy model—focused on reusing, recycling, and sustainably managing plastic. By reducing plastic leakage into the environment, the initiative aims to protect biodiversity, improve human health, and support economic transition.

🏛️ Governance Structure

GPAP is structured to ensure broad and effective collaboration:

• Governing Council: Sets the strategic direction.
• Steering Board: Oversees implementation and operations.
• Advisory Committee: Provides expert input and facilitates collaboration across sectors.

🌊 The Scale of Plastic Pollution

Each year:

• Over 6 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans.
• Vast quantities contaminate land and freshwater systems.
• The plastic life cycle contributes 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

GPAP’s aim is to cut plastic leakage and advance sustainable material alternatives—helping countries shift away from a linear “take-make-dispose” model.

🛠️ National Action Roadmaps and Investment

A cornerstone of GPAP’s strategy:

• Country-specific roadmaps tailored to local waste management needs.
• So far, they’ve mobilised $3.1 billion in funding.
• Supported the formalisation of informal waste workers into safer, more secure jobs.

🌱 Environmental & Economic Impact

• Reduction in carbon emissions from plastic production and disposal.
• Boosts in green employment, with a potential for 6 million new jobs globally by 2030.
• Promotes sustainable innovation in packaging, recycling tech, and waste infrastructure.

🤝 The Power of Collaboration

GPAP thrives on a multi-stakeholder model, involving:

• Governments, for policy implementation
• Businesses, to lead sustainable production
• NGOs and academia, for insights and outreach
• Communities, for behavioural change and grassroots impact

🔥 Plastic and Climate Change

Plastic isn’t just a waste issue—it’s a climate issue.

• From fossil fuel extraction to disposal, the plastic industry leaves a massive carbon footprint.
• GPAP’s interventions reduce emissions and ecosystem degradation, aligning closely with climate mitigation goals.

🚀 Looking Ahead

GPAP envisions a future where:

• Waste becomes resource
• Circular economies flourish
• Communities thrive alongside nature

Through continued collaboration and innovation, this global movement aims to transform how the world produces, consumes, and disposes of plastic—turning crisis into opportunity.