ICCE Supports Landmark Research for Small Island States Facing Plastic Pollution

The International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE) is proud to support a groundbreaking new research paper led by Common Seas and CirculEarth, which proposes a transformative and scalable approach to addressing plastic waste challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and remote coastal geographies.

The research demonstrates how a regional approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can unlock systemic solutions for island nations that face the brunt of plastic pollution, despite contributing only a small fraction of global mismanaged plastic waste.

A Global Disparity: Low Contribution, High Impact

Although SIDS contribute less than 2% of global mismanaged plastic waste, they are disproportionately impacted by marine plastic pollution. Their vulnerability is intensified by structural and geographic realities—limited waste management infrastructure, high transportation and logistical costs, reduced economies of scale, and rising environmental and climate pressures. Plastic waste is not only a growing environmental hazard for island nations but also a major threat to public health, tourism, fisheries, coastal livelihoods, and fragile marine ecosystems. The new research paper brings urgent attention to this imbalance and calls for bold, collaborative solutions that reflect the unique realities of small island and remote coastal geographies.

Regional EPR: A Practical Pathway to Resilient Circular Systems

The paper identifies regional EPR models as a powerful mechanism to overcome constraints that individual island states often cannot address alone. By enabling shared responsibility and cross-border coordination, regional EPR can help SIDS build stronger, sustainable waste management ecosystems.

Specifically, regional EPR approaches can:

• Pool limited resources across neighbouring regions to create economies of scale
• Alleviate strain on under-resourced national waste systems
• Unlock access to shared infrastructure and cross-border waste solutions
• Mobilise sustainable financing mechanisms to support plastic waste management
• Strengthen blue economy resilience by protecting marine ecosystems and coastal industries

This vision creates a promising opportunity to redesign plastic waste governance systems around collective responsibility, efficiency, and long-term circularity, ensuring that remote geographies are not left behind in global sustainability transitions.

A Global Collaboration Toward Actionable Solutions

The research was developed in collaboration with WRAP, Africa Circular, the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC), and the Global Plastics Policy Centre, bringing together leading global institutions, policy practitioners, and circular economy experts. ICCE is honoured to be among the supporting organisations contributing to this initiative, alongside a strong global coalition including: Reloop, Planet Patrol, WWF, VF Packaging Ltd, Everyday Plastic, EXPRA – Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance, Citeo, Nestlé, The Greater Good Diaper Project, Retorna.org, and several other organisations working collectively toward circular and resilient island futures. Together, this coalition reflects a shared belief that regional cooperation and shared responsibility can unlock long-term circular systems, particularly for communities at the frontline of the plastic pollution crisis.

A Step Toward Circular and Equitable Futures

This research marks a critical advancement in positioning island states not as passive recipients of environmental harm, but as active participants in designing solutions that reflect local realities while enabling regional scale. The proposed model supports both environmental outcomes and economic resilience, contributing to:

• Marine ecosystem protection
• Stronger climate resilience
• Sustainable local livelihoods
• Improved waste governance and financing frameworks
• Inclusive circular economy development

ICCE reiterates its commitment to enabling policy innovation, global cooperation, and circular systems transformation, especially in regions that face disproportionate environmental burdens. As the world moves toward a circular and sustainable future, this vision reinforces a fundamental principle: even the most remote geographies must not be left behind. Together, we can ensure a circular transition that is equitable, resilient, and inclusive—for people, oceans, and the planet.