Global investments to combat plastic pollution reached $190 billion between 2018 and 2023, according to a new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). While this highlights significant progress in addressing plastic waste, critical funding gaps in emerging markets and preventive solutions remain a major obstacle to achieving global impact.
The report, titled “Advanced Technologies are Changing Our Lives—and They Can Help Us Beat Plastic Pollution,” underscores the importance of investment flows in driving solutions. It revealed that 82% of the funding was directed toward recovery and recycling technologies, leaving preventive measures, reuse models, and digital waste management systems significantly underfunded.
The WEF report exposed an alarming disparity in the distribution of resources, with only 6% of total funding allocated to emerging markets. These regions, which face the brunt of plastic pollution, lack the infrastructure to tackle the crisis effectively.
Wealthy nations in the Global North, which dominate investment flows, often export their plastic waste to the Global South, worsening the environmental and social challenges in these regions.
“To achieve meaningful global progress, investment strategies must shift to encompass the full spectrum of solutions—from prevention to reuse—while providing greater financial backing to emerging markets, where the stakes are highest,” the report stressed.
Despite advancements in technology, digital innovations remain underutilized. Only 2.3% of the $190 billion was invested in digital tools like blockchain-enabled material tracking and smart waste management systems. These technologies could enhance supply chain transparency, optimize circular material flows, and improve accountability but remain inaccessible due to inadequate funding.
The WEF emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to funding. While recycling technologies are critical, equal attention must be given to preventive measures, reuse models, and digital innovations.
The report also highlighted regulatory inconsistencies as a barrier to scaling cohesive global solutions. Addressing these inconsistencies could unlock greater cooperation and efficiency in tackling the plastic pollution crisis.
“Advanced technologies are changing our lives—and they can help us beat plastic pollution,” the report concluded, urging stakeholders to reimagine investment strategies and prioritize a comprehensive, inclusive approach to tackling plastic pollution worldwide.
