Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic in Small Island Developing States: potentials, challenges and limitations

Plastic waste is increasingly polluting terrestrial and marine environments worldwide. Small Island Developing States are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution and its far-reaching environmental, social and economic consequences. One instrument for reducing plastic pollution are Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. They require manufacturers or other business actors in the plastic value chain to take responsibility for reducing plastic waste. So far, however, this instrument is mainly used in developed countries.

In the project, adelphi prepared a study that examines opportunities, challenges and limitations in the development, introduction and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes in Small Island Developing States. Several questions were considered. How can Extended Producer Responsibility schemes promote the transition to a circular plastic economy in these states? What are challenges and limitations? What additional measures can support the effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes? Based on the answers to these questions, adelphi developed a concept and roadmap for the development, introduction and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes to reduce plastic waste in Small Island Developing States.