Plastic Pollution

Advance safer, more sustainable materials and product design  

• Identification and evaluation of circular feedstocks, including bio-based and biodegradable alternatives 
• Safer chemical substitution and avoidance of regrettable replacements 
• Packaging redesign and product reformulation aligned with circular principles 
• Decision-support modeling and life cycle assessments to determine environmental and health trade-offs 
• Laboratory testing of products for impurities or chemicals of concern  

Promote responsible consumption and empower informed decision-making:  

• Assessment of polymer degradation and microplastic release during use 
• Life cycle exposure modeling for food, air, and water intake 
• Behavior change strategies to extend product life and reduce leakage 
• Consumer insight research, labeling strategies, and communication tools 
• Third-party, independent validation of product claims by using objective science-based methodologies  

Design systems that recover value and prevent environmental leakage:  

• Development of circular end-of-life strategies: reuse, recycling, and redesign  
• Pilot implementation of advanced recycling technologies and  evaluation of microplastics in end-of-life pathways (e.g., landfills, recycling, compost, etc.)
• Implementation of microplastic capture solutions (e.g., laundry filters) 
• Public–private partnership models to build scalable recovery infrastructure  

Generate the data needed to track circularity and mitigate risk:  

• Advanced detection of microplastics and nanoplastics in environmental and biological systems 
• Customized plastic repository of micro and nanomaterials to support research and regulatory alignment 
• Toxicology studies under real-world conditions 
• Occupational and community exposure assessments across the value chain  

Support evidence-based policy design that drives circular outcomes:  

• Global horizon scanning of plastic and microplastic regulations 
• Policy and regulatory strategy aligned with circular economy goals 
• Economic analysis of circular interventions and implementation risks 
• Multi-stakeholder engagement to co-create practical, scalable frameworks  

Catalyze high-impact solutions and partnerships for a circular future:  

• Landscape mapping of circular technologies and business models  
• Innovation challenges, pilots, and accelerators  
• Strategic partnerships with startups, research institutions, and corporations  
• Alignment with global treaty timelines and policy milestones to maximize uptake and impact