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On January 23, 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced that the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) has expanded to 25 countries, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to combat plastic pollution. Seven new countries—Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania—have joined the initiative, bringing the total population of participating nations to over 1.5 billion people. This collaborative effort aims to tackle the root causes of plastic pollution and advance the transition to a circular plastics economy, which could significantly reduce environmental and economic harms caused by plastic waste.

Growing Coalition for a Circular Economy

The inclusion of seven new countries adds momentum to GPAP's mission of creating sustainable, circular solutions for plastic waste management. These nations bring fresh perspectives to the partnership, strengthening national and international efforts to reduce plastic pollution. GPAP’s model relies on "National Action Roadmaps," which are country-specific strategies designed to address local challenges while drawing on the collective expertise of the global network.

Since its inception in 2018, GPAP has facilitated the mobilization of $3.1 billion in investments, supported over 12,000 informal waste workers, and helped countries make measurable progress in improving sustainability and climate resilience. The new countries’ involvement further boosts these efforts, aiming for an even greater impact on both plastic waste management and greenhouse gas reductions.

Addressing Plastic Pollution and Climate Change

Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern, with millions of tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans and land each year. The United Nations estimates that over 6 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean annually, while landfills are burdened with double that amount. This mismanagement of waste disrupts ecosystems, harms biodiversity, and threatens human health, particularly in coastal and low-income regions.

In addition to environmental damage, the plastic sector is also a significant contributor to climate change. According to GPAP, the plastic industry emits approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. These emissions primarily come from the production, disposal, and incineration of plastic waste, including methane from landfills—an extremely potent greenhouse gas. By promoting circular systems for plastic waste, GPAP aims to cut these emissions and help mitigate the broader effects of climate change.

Economic and Job Growth Through Circular Solutions

A core component of GPAP’s approach is fostering economic growth through the promotion of green jobs, particularly in the waste management and recycling sectors. Circular economy models, which focus on reusing materials, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable production, could create up to 6 million jobs globally by 2030. This growth would not only address the environmental impacts of plastic but also drive job creation, especially in developing countries where the waste management infrastructure is still growing.

As the global community continues to grapple with the pervasive impacts of plastic pollution, GPAP’s expanding network is working to transform waste into valuable resources, contributing to a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient global economy.

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