The Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA) reports that 72 countries recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) in 2023, including nations involved in the UN plastic pollution treaty negotiations next week. Many of these countries achieved recycling rates above 30%. EPS is one of only six materials recognized by UNEP as being successfully recycled in practice and at scale, underscoring its importance to global circularity efforts.

Read the full press release here.

Following an update in preparation for INC-4, the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) report on Plastic Pollution Science now recognizes EPS transport packaging as an at-scale recycled material. The Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA) applauds UNEP for its commitment to addressing plastics pollution and consideration of treaty stakeholder feedback.

You can read the full release at PRWeb.

Litterbase, an online repository of litter study data, hosts a map and analytical tool that reviews over 1,400 litter studies in order to provide a broader picture of differing materials found during data collection. EPS was found to encompass only 6% of worldwide beach litter. Read more at Litterbase.

The Global Partners for Plastics Circularity (GPPC) is working towards a world in which plastics are sustainably produced, designed, used, reused and recycled in a circular economy and don’t become pollution. A world where plastics contribute significantly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including a lower carbon future.