A new discussion paper (PDF) by Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard Program explores how high-integrity Plastic Credits can support the design and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems worldwide.
With global plastic waste expected to triple by 2060, addressing this crisis, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), requires scalable solutions that can bridge infrastructure, financing, and administrative gaps.
EPR is a policy tool that shifts the environmental and financial responsibility of plastic waste management from governments to producers. However, implementing EPR effectively in EMDEs presents challenges, including underdeveloped waste systems, limited financing, constrained regulatory capacity, and exclusion of informal waste workers.
Verra’s Plastic Credits provide a results-based financing mechanism that can be leveraged by governments, producers, and waste management operators to channel investment into verified plastic collection and recycling projects.
EPR and Plastic Credits have both been referenced in the official documents (PDF) related to an International Legally Binding Instrument for Plastic Pollution. As negotiations for a global plastics treaty during INC-5.2 are about to end, it is important to understand the potential of these innovative results-based finance tools that connect public and private sector finance with activities that address plastic pollution.
Webinar Recording
Prior to the paper’s publication, Verra’s Plastic Program team hosted a webinar to preview its key findings.
Drawing from six case studies of countries at three different stages of EPR development, the Verra team highlighted how Plastic Credits can support EPR and help scale inclusive and effective plastic waste management systems globally.
The webinar also featured a keynote address on the importance of innovative finance, delivered by Roger Joseph (Rocky) Guzman, international governance, legal, and policy specialist at the Asian Development Bank.
