Analysis of Upstream Economic Opportunities from change in the plastics life-cycle

Successful and effective responses to plastic pollution require initiatives, actions and activities that embark on a transition towards a more circular plastics economy. In this transition, companies in the upstream sector of the plastics value chain (plastic producers, manufacturers, commercial buyers) can assume great responsibility and benefit economically.

This paper elaborates on how companies in the upstream sector can benefit economically. It describes in more detail the most important actors of the upstream sector and their influence on the plastics value chain and the combat of plastic pollution, before analysing

• how the upstream sector can capture growth markets;
• how it can mitigate potential risks and liabilities;
• and what actions it might take to seize the economic opportunities of a more circular plastics economy.

Finally, it outlines how a global plastics agreement can enable these opportunities.