Key 2025 plastic pollution targets made by the Global Commitment and Plastic Pact network are expected to be missed, according to a new report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. It has assessed the progress made by the 1,000 businesses, governments and other organisations involved in the network, noting that while there has been some strong progress, targets such as 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging “will almost certainly be missed by most organisations”. The overall share of reusable, recyclable and compostable plastic packaging has increased to 65.4%, but 16% of signatories are still using flexible packaging, such as sachets, it said. New innovation, infrastructure and investment in redesigning rigid plastic is needed to ensure 100% recyclability, the report added. Sander Defruyt, foundation’s Plastics Initiative Lead, said: “The Global Commitment continues to provide unprecedented transparency on how major businesses are addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The latest findings demonstrate the need to urgently ramp up efforts – both from businesses and governments. Credible, ambitious plans are needed from businesses to scale reuse, to deal with the issue of flexible packaging and to reduce the need for single-use packaging. Governments must take action to help accelerate progress.”
