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Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe unite for sector-based solutions to reduce Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 

In a groundbreaking move to tackle environmental pollution, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe have joined forces to launch a US$90-million project aimed at reducing the release of hazardous chemicals from plastics. The initiative, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will address the significant environmental and health risks posed by Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastic products, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and construction sectors.

The new project will promote circular economy practices across the five countries by targeting the import, production, and use of toxic chemicals in plastic-containing products. POPs, which are widely used as additives in plastics to enhance their properties, persist in the environment for decades, accumulating in ecosystems and causing long-term damage to both human health and the planet. POPs are also a major obstacle to creating a sustainable, circular plastics economy, as these chemicals prevent safe recycling and reuse.

A Global Threat Addressed Locally
The project aims to reduce the harmful impact of POPs on both local and global environments by focusing on the lifecycle of plastics. These hazardous substances accumulate in landfills, rivers, and oceans, with devastating consequences for wildlife and human health. By working closely with industries and regulators in Africa's growing plastic sectors, the initiative intends to phase out the use of POPs and replace them with safer alternatives.

"Plastic additives have a range of harmful properties, from environmental persistence to toxicity and endocrine disruption, making them a significant global challenge. This project is UNEP’s first sector-based initiative to directly address these issues through a circular economy approach," said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division.

The project will introduce a range of targeted interventions, including training for businesses and regulators, development of policies to reduce hazardous chemicals, and the promotion of environmentally sound waste management practices. It also aims to provide financial and technical support for the disposal of POPs-contaminated plastics, ensuring safer and more sustainable plastic waste management.