Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental issues and most vil- lainized stories of our time. The very reason why plastic has revolutionized countless industries and vastly improved our lives is what poses a severe threat to our biodiversity. At the recent Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), 28 countries introduced the “Bridge to Busan” declaration advocating for a comprehensive treaty on plastic production. And yet, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads: We rely on plastics, but often hesitate to invest in pricier, biodegradable alternatives. With plastic demand only growing, and with bio-based plastics needing time to penetrate, scale and become more cost-effective, should more focus be on how we manage plastic waste?

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) certainly thinks so. They have pledged $1.5 billion by 2024 to tackle plastic pollution and boost recycling efforts. AEPW's CEO and president, Jacob Duer, points out the primary challenge: “The massive scale of plastic pollution, particularly in parts of the world with inadequate waste management infrastructure. Our approach focuses on these high-leakage regions, prioritizing the development of basic waste management solutions. For instance, we run significant projects in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, establishing essential infrastructure like household bins and collection systems.”

Duer, who transitioned from the UN to AEPW to drive impactful change, underlines the importance of industry involvement: “I realized that while policies are essential for progress, they are not sufficient without the active involvement of all stakeholders, especially the private sector.” The industry must play a pivotal role in the solution, focusing on standardizing design requirements to enhance recyclability and identifying specific chemicals and products of concern.

Frederic Schmuck, CEO at Alterra Energy, acknowledges the intricacies of plastic waste management. “The issue of plastic waste is complex and not solely an educational problem. While increased consumer awareness and participation are vital, as evidenced by higher separation and recycling rates in Europe compared to North America, the core challenge remains... the fragmented nature of waste management in the U.S., where many curbside pickups go to outdated single-stream facilities, highlights the need for investment in advanced sorting technologies to enhance recycling outcomes,” says Schmuck.

Ending plastic waste entirely might seem like a far-fetched goal, but better waste management, increased recycling efforts, and the development of sustainable alternatives will be essential in getting us some of the way there.

Nexus aims to complement mechanical recycling through advanced processes by managing many of today’s plastic formats, such as films, flexible packaging and foams, which often end in landfills. This approach addresses the limitations of current recycling methods, improving the overall recycling ecosystem. Jodie Morgan, CEO, Nexus Circular