It is important to recognize that removal efforts alone cannot solve the plastic problem and that they fail to address the scale or wider issues of plastic pollution. The only sustainable, safe, long-term, and effective solution to the global plastics crisis is to significantly reduce, simplify and detoxify plastic polymers and products, and to establish and implement measures to prevent their release to the environment along their full life cycle. In the transition towards this goal, targeted removal of existing plastic pollution and remediation of environments contaminated with legacy plastics and associated chemicals is necessary to mitigate the detrimental impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health, and to restore natural habitats and their functions.
This policy brief outlines key environmental, economic, social and transparency factors to consider in the removal of existing and legacy plastic pollution.
Read and download the policy brief here:
Authors: Gunhild Bødtker, Patrick O’ Hare, Trisia Farrelly and Melanie Bergmann
This short document provides an overview of useful scientific resources for each of the four clusters and other discussion topics planned by the Chair for the upcoming HoDs meetings. Download the document: In English here In French here In Spanish here
This document is part of a series on key sources of micro- and nanoplastics to the environment. It was originally published in 2024, and has been updated and republished in 2026. Download the document: Paint – A key source of microplastics to the environment (EN)
This document is part of a series on key sources of micro- and nanoplastics to the environment. It was originally published in 2024, and has been updated and republished in 2026. Download the document: Microfibres from textiles: Fate, effects, and mitigation strategies (EN)
This document is part of a series on key sources of micro- and nanoplastics to the environment. It was originally published in 2024, and has been updated and republished in 2026. Download the document: Intentionally added plastics in personal care products (EN)
This document is part of a series on key sources of micro- and nanoplastics to the environment. It was originally published in 2024, and has been updated and republished in 2026. Download the document: Plastic pellets, powders, and flakes – a key source of microplastics to the environment (EN)