Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP): A Comprehensive Overview

The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), an initiative launched by the World Economic Forum (WEF), has emerged as a pivotal platform in the global fight against plastic pollution. With its recent expansion to include 25 member countries, GPAP is making significant strides in promoting a circular economy and addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste. This article delves into the origins, objectives, key activities, and challenges associated with GPAP, while also exploring the broader context of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health.

About Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)

Launch and Purpose

GPAP was launched during the World Economic Forum’s 2018 Sustainable Development Summit. The initiative was conceived as a response to the growing plastic pollution crisis, which poses a severe threat to ecosystems, human health, and the global economy. The primary purpose of GPAP is to act as a platform for accelerating the circular economy and supporting events like the “Friends of Ocean” initiative, which aims to protect marine ecosystems from plastic waste.

Current Members

As of now, GPAP boasts a network of 25 member countries, including the Maharashtra State of India. This diverse membership underscores the global recognition of the urgent need to address plastic pollution through collaborative efforts.

Objectives

GPAP’s objectives are multifaceted and ambitious:

• Accelerating the Global Response to Plastic Pollution: GPAP aims to bring together governments, companies, and civil society to develop and implement effective strategies to combat plastic pollution.
• Promoting a Circular Economy: The partnership seeks to create a circular economy for plastics, which involves reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems (both terrestrial and marine), and ensuring that plastics are reused and recycled rather than discarded.

Key Activities

GPAP’s activities are designed to translate its objectives into actionable outcomes:

• Developing National Action Plans: GPAP assists member countries in creating national action plans tailored to their specific needs and challenges in tackling plastic pollution.
• Mobilizing Investments in Waste Management: The partnership focuses on mobilizing investments to improve waste management infrastructure, thereby addressing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

The Global Crisis of Plastic Pollution

Environmental and Health Impacts

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that threatens not only the environment but also human health and future generations. The proliferation of plastic waste can alter habitats and disrupt natural processes, reducing the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change. Moreover, plastic pollution directly affects millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being.

Life Cycle Approach

The life cycle approach to plastic pollution considers all potential impacts associated with the production and consumption of plastics. This includes:

• Extraction and Processing of Raw Materials: The initial stages of plastic production involve the extraction and processing of fossil fuels, which have significant environmental impacts.
• Design and Manufacture: The design and manufacturing processes of plastic products can contribute to pollution if not managed sustainably.
• Packaging and Distribution: Plastic packaging is a major contributor to waste, especially when it is not designed for reuse or recycling.
• Use and Reuse: The use phase of plastic products can lead to pollution if products are not reused or maintained properly.
• End-of-Life Management: This includes segregation, collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal. Effective end-of-life management is crucial for reducing plastic waste.

Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to plastic pollution. These include items like polyethylene shopping bags, polystyrene food containers, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. Approximately 500 billion household beverages are sold each year, most of which end up in the ocean, contributing to marine pollution.

Microplastics

Microplastics are small fragments of plastic that originate from various sources, including tires, health and beauty products, synthetic fabrics, artificial turf, and industrial and agricultural runoff. These tiny particles are pervasive in the environment and pose a significant threat to marine life and human health.

Challenges in Addressing Plastic Pollution

Global Increase in Plastic Waste

According to the OECD Global Plastic Outlook Report (2022), global plastic waste has more than doubled since 2000. This alarming increase highlights the urgent need for effective waste management and recycling strategies.

Limited Recycling Rates

Despite the growing awareness of plastic pollution, recycling rates remain disappointingly low. Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally, while 19% is incinerated, and nearly 50% ends up in sanitary landfills. This low recycling rate underscores the need for more robust recycling infrastructure and policies.

India’s Plastic Waste Management Initiatives

India, one of the largest contributors to global plastic waste, has taken significant steps to address the issue:

• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: These rules introduce the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, including post-consumer waste management. The rules aim to reduce the plastic footprint by promoting the recycling of plastic materials.
• National Circuit Plan: In 2023, India launched a national circuit plan in partnership with Australia to reduce plastic waste. This initiative focuses on improving waste management practices and promoting the circular economy.

Summary of the News: GPAP and Plastic Pollution

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), launched by the World Economic Forum, recently expanded its network to 25 countries, including Maharashtra, India.
About GPAP	– Launched: During WEF 2018 Sustainable Development Summit. – Purpose: Accelerate the circular economy and support initiatives like “Friends of Ocean.”
Current Members	25, including Maharashtra (India).
Objectives	– Accelerate global response to plastic pollution. – Promote a circular economy for plastics to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems.
Key Activities	– Assist countries in developing national action plans. – Mobilize investments for sustainable waste management.
Plastic Pollution	– Impact: Threatens ecosystems, human health, and food security. – Alters habitats and reduces ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Life Cycle Approach	Considers impacts across all stages of plastic production and use, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, packaging, use, and end-of-life management.
Single-Use Plastics	Major contributors like polyethylene shopping bags and PET bottles; 500 billion beverage containers sold annually, with many ending up in oceans.
Microplastics	Sources include tires, synthetic fabrics, industrial/agricultural runoff, and beauty products; pervasive and harmful to marine life and humans.
Global Challenges	– Plastic Waste Increase: Doubled since 2000 (OECD, 2022). – Low Recycling: Only 9% recycled, 19% incinerated, and nearly 50% in landfills.
India’s Initiatives	– Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016): Introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). – National Circuit Plan (2023): Launched with Australia to improve waste management and promote the circular economy.