Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability (rev. 2)

This document offers a practical guide for addressing one of the planet’s most pressing environmental issues: single-use plastic pollution. The document provides an evidence-based roadmap for sustainability, drawing on the experiences of over 60 countries. It highlights the environmental, health and economic impacts of mismanaged plastic waste and outlines a spectrum of regulatory, economic and voluntary measures to reduce consumption. It emphasizes a systems approach, incorporating waste management improvements, stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns. It presents actionable recommendations, including a detailed 10-step framework for policymakers considering bans or levies on disposable plastics. Case studies from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas offer practical insights into policy successes and challenges.