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Financing Plastic Circularity in Asia and the Pacific: How to Overcome Market and Policy Challenges and Create Impact

Financing Plastic Circularity in Asia and the Pacific: How to Overcome Market and Policy Challenges and Create Impact cover DOWNLOAD (172.39 KB)

Publication Type:

Brief

Publisher:

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Publication:

November 2024

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This brief sheds light on the $50 billion–$120 billion global plastic pollution financing gap and explores how to boost plastic circularity.

Asia is the global hotspot for plastic pollution, being home to eight out of the 10 rivers that take 95% of plastic waste to the oceans. 

However, the region only accounts for 8% of the global plastic circularity investments. The global financing gap for plastic pollution is estimated at $50 billion–$120 billion annually, potentially reaching $1.64 trillion by 2040.

This brief sheds light on the global plastic pollution financing gap and explores how Asia and the Pacific can boost plastic circularity by incentivizing recycling, de-risking projects, and generating investment to tackle mounting waste. It shows governments can use policies and economic tools to attract capital and change consumer behavior. The brief outlines financing options, highlights small business funding challenges, and explains why gender should be woven into future circularity programs.

Contents

  • Overview
  • The Plastic Pollution Dilemma and Investment Needs
  • What Is Plastics Circularity Financing
  • Initiatives and Challenges
  • Needs and Areas for Action