Scene Setter for Plastic-free Oceans

Plastic waste and pollution are urgent issues for Asia and the Pacific and the health of its ecosystems and communities. Over 80% of all marine plastic pollution comes from Asia, while Pacific island countries are exposed to ocean currents that accumulate large volumes of marine litter that eventually washes up on their shores. Countries are developing strategies to reduce plastic pollution by addressing waste mismanagement, reducing marine debris, and enabling a transition to a circular plastics economy. The Plastic-free Oceans thematic track aimed to: (i) identify best practices from within the region to accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy; (ii) showcase how technology has been used in existing projects and new solutions and opportunities for waste management and high-quality recycling; and (iii) highlight innovations on alternative delivery systems and alternatives to single-use packaging.