A forthcoming discussion paper from Verra will explore how Plastic Credits, issued under Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard Program (Plastic Program), can support the design and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems around the world.
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, weak 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 been referenced in the official documents (PDF) related to an International Legally Binding Instrument for Plastic Pollution. As the world anticipates the signing of this a global plastics treaty during the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) in Geneva, Switzerland, in early August, 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
On Tuesday, July 29, at 9:00 am ET, Verra will host a webinar to preview key findings of the upcoming discussion paper.
Drawing from six case studies of countries at three different stages of EPR development, the Plastic Program team will highlight how Plastic Credits can support EPR and help scale inclusive and effective plastic waste management systems globally.
Registrants will also be notified when the full paper is published.
