Global Plastics Outlook

Related solutions

• Technology

  Enzymatic recycling of PET and polyester

  Pilot to first commercial plants

  Engineered enzymes break PET bottles, trays and polyester textiles back into their building blocks, which can be made into new plastic of virgin quality.

  Collection and recyclingResearch and science
• Technology

  Deposit return systems and reverse vending

  Proven at national scale

  A small refundable deposit on drink containers, collected back through machines or shops, routinely returns more than 90 percent of bottles and cans.

  Collection and recyclingPolicy and advocacy
• Law or Bill

  Panama City rivers, mangroves and bay cleanup plan

  Panama City, Panama | Under way; 425 days of work

  A US$4.8 million, 425-day program by the Alcaldía de Panamá to clear waste from the Matías Hernández and Río Abajo rivers, mangroves and the Bay of Panama shoreline. 534 tons removed by 12 September 2026.

  Policy and advocacy
• Law or Bill

  Global Plastics Treaty (UN negotiations)

  International | Negotiations resuming; next formal session expected March 2027

  A legally binding treaty on plastic pollution across its full life cycle, under negotiation since 2022.

  Policy and advocacy