Seoul, Republic of Korea, June 5, 2025 – The International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) on Plastic Pollution, also known as The Global Plastics Treaty, is currently under negotiation with the aim of establishing legally binding measures to reduce plastic pollution, phase out problematic plastics, and facilitate a global shift toward a circular economy. However, there is a need for strong collaboration between related sectors to support countries in successfully implementing the Plastics Treaty.

The report titled “Bridging Gaps, Empowering Change: Tackling Plastic Pollution”, co-published by GGGI and UNOSD, provides nine stand-alone insight briefs from global and national actors. It underscores the gaps, challenges, and policy frameworks that help countries enhance their preparedness through targeted development cooperation by focusing on real-world examples.

“This collection of insight briefs outlines practical approaches to enable countries align their national actions with the forthcoming Global Plastics Treaty,” said Dr. Dukwoo Jun, Circular Economy Community of Practice Lead at GGGI and lead author of the report. “It highlights that strong collaboration across stakeholders will be key to building the capacity, resources, and partnerships needed to turn treaty commitments into real progress. Building on the insights from this publication, GGGI plans to develop a global program in collaboration with partners to further support countries in advancing circular plastics solutions and treaty implementation.”

The authors highlight key barriers that make implementing the Plastics Treaty’s framework difficult. These include the lack of standardized eco-design regulations, deficiencies in recycling infrastructure, and limited financing mechanisms. In some communities that depend on plastic production and informal waste management, socioeconomic factors also affect the transition to sustainable plastics systems.

The report also finds that multi-level commitments are the crucial factors in tackling these barriers. This requires coordination across short-, medium-, and long-term phases, starting from working collaboratively with stakeholders and establishing reliable measurement systems. Most importantly, it requires fully integrated circular economy models and ensuring a just transition for affected communities.

“This collection of insight briefs brings together contributions from global experts across nine focused briefs, offering clear recommendations—including on ensuring a just transition as part of a circular economy approach to tackling plastic pollution,” said Mr. Chun Kyoo Park, Head of the UN Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD). “As the world moves toward circularity, it is essential that inclusivity and fairness remain at the center of this transition.”

Nevertheless, the report notes the importance of fairness and inclusivity when adopting the framework. Addressing both environmental and social dimensions of plastics reduction should be one of the key factors leading to a balanced process to achieve a future where the benefits of reducing plastic pollution are shared by all.

Read the full report here: https://gggi.org/report/bridging-gaps-empowering-change-tackling-plastic-pollution/

About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded as a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. GGGI supports its Member States in transitioning their economies toward a green growth model that simultaneously achieves poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. With 50 Member States and 29 Partner countries and regional integration organizations in the process of accession, GGGI delivers programs and projects in over 50 countries. These initiatives encompass developing innovative green growth solutions, technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and assistance in building a pipeline of bankable green investment projects, project financing, investments, and knowledge sharing. GGGI’s work contributes to its Member States’ efforts to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement.

Follow us on X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org

Dukwoo Jun

Circular Economy Community of Practice Lead
+82 10-9541-5315 | dukwoo.jun@gggi.org

(GGGI Seoul HQ)

Romain Brillie

Director, Department of Strategy and Communications
+82 10 9530 0170 | brillie.romain@gggi.org

Na Yoon Kang

Senior Assistant, Communications & Knowledge Sharing Unit
+82 10 9530 0338 | nayoon.kang@gggi.org