Global Plastics Treaty: Reflections from Busan

The team at PCX is deeply disappointed that UN negotiators left Busan without a treaty to end plastic pollution in hand. We are frustrated with the slow pace of progress - yet also in awe of the commitment and hard work of so many.  

The drive of high ambition countries most impacted by the crisis is incredibly inspiring.  Statements from Mexico and Rwanda, on behalf of 95 and 85 countries, respectively, calling for a strong treaty that would put limits on production and address both hazardous plastics and chemicals of concern received resounding applause. There is a will to do better.

For my part, I once again found this experience to be engaging and educational, and a tremendous opportunity to connect with others across the full value chain needed to collectively tackle the challenge - governments, NGOs, businesses, producers, press, innovators, and more.

I was gratified to see the continued momentum and emphasis being placed on the critical need to activate and catalyze private investment and funding to fill the $1 trillion a year we need to support plastic waste collection and responsible processing worldwide, with the emphasis on developing markets hardest hit by this crisis.  

There were many light bulb moments, when we were able to thoughtfully express how PCX is providing a market-based mechanism that delivers near-term impact, while also catalyzing bankable investments for long-term scalable solutions - such as recycling, alternative materials and other upstream and downstream solutions.

While the road ahead leaves so much more work for negotiators, and for all of us, I am optimistic that we will find a path to a future where no plastic waste enters nature.

Sebastian DiGrande

CEO, PCX Markets

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Perspectives

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In the Plastic Crisis, Economics is Our Friend

Plastic has long been a cheap commodity, writes PCX Markets CEO Sebastian DiGrande. It’s time to put a new price tag on it—one that reflects its true cost and delivers both immediate and long-term impact.

By aligning economic incentives with sustainability, market mechanisms like plastic credits can drive waste recovery, close the gap between virgin and recycled materials, and encourage businesses to rethink their plastic use, paving the way for a circular economy.
Read the full blog post here.

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News

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Plastic credit tipped to grow "with or without" UN treaty

The voluntary plastic credit market is set to expand as discussions around its role in the global plastics treaty continue. Standards like Verra and PCX Solutions highlight the potential of market-based mechanisms to address the $40 billion funding gap for waste management by 2040.

Read the full article by Carbon Pulse here.

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EPR and a global plastics treaty - what do the experts say?

"The Philippines offers a case study for other countries and UN negotiators to boldly and urgently address the problem, considering innovative approaches and voices from the Global South – moving fast, with ambitious targets and investment mechanisms, " writes PCX founder Nanette Medved-Po.

Read the full article by the World Economic Forum here.

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Toppoint embarks on their sustainability journey with PCX

We’re excited to welcome Toppoint as they start their sustainability journey with PCX!

For every product sold —curtains, Roman blinds, Versus® curtains, and roller blinds—Toppoint will remove an equivalent amount of plastic from the environment. The company is also reducing its ecological footprint by optimizing logistics, adopting sustainable packaging, updating its fleet, and improving energy efficiency.

Read more here.

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Mentos Philippines upcycles plastic waste into bus terminal benches

Perfetti Van Melle Philippines has upcycled over 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste into 100 Mentos benches, distributed to bus terminals nationwide. As part of its Mentos “Yes to Fresh” campaign, Perfetti van Melle is exploring new ways to refresh Filipino commuters, especially during the peak All Saints’ Day long weekend (Undas) when millions of Filipinos travel to their provinces to visit friends and family.

Read more here.

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Concepcion Industrial Corporation surpasses mandatory diversion of plastic waste

Kudos to Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC) for substantially exceeding the plastic waste diversion goals set out in the Philippines’ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law, demonstrating its strong commitment to environmental sustainability!

CIC successfully diverted 478,000 kilograms of rigid and flexible plastic from entering the environment in 2023, made possible through the company’s partnership with PCX Markets.

Read more here.

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KURE: The first UK Plastic Cleanup Partner

We’re proud to solidify our partnership with KURE, the first UK company to achieve Plastic Clean Up Partner status with PCX Markets.

Known for their innovative oxygen-rich water, KURE is equally committed to protecting the planet. For every bottle sold, KURE has committed to removing an equal amount of plastic from the environment.

Want to learn more about the PCX Plastic Cleanup Program? Ping us at partnerships@pcxmarkets.com.

Read more here.

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Events

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EPR, Loans and Plastic Credits at INC-5

We had a full house at our INC-5 side event, “EPR, Loans & Plastic Credits: Financing Solutions for Indonesia and Other Emerging Markets," and we’re energized by the incredible discussions!

The event highlighted Indonesia’s $18 billion financing gap to reduce ocean plastic leakage and achieve a circular economy. Stringent EPR laws, supported by initiatives like the Asian Development Bank’s policy-linked loans, are vital. Bundling zero-interest loans with plastic credits can empower SMEs to scale recycling efforts while driving immediate impact and long-term investments in infrastructure and alternatives.

A big thank you to our esteemed speakers—Rofi Alhanif from the Coordinating Ministry of Food in Indonesia, Bunga Karnisa Goib from Indonesia National Plastic Action Partnership, Rocky Guzman from the Asian Development Bank, Adijoyo Prakoso from Duitin—and our collaborators Simon Baldwin of SecondMuse and Stefanie Beitien of PCX Solutions for their valuable insights.

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PCX joins Clean Rivers panel at COP29

PCX founder Nanette Medved-Po had the honor of joining a critical discussion on financing solutions to protect our waterways hosted by Clean Rivers at COP29.

Nanette spoke about the role plastic credits can play in supporting EPR laws, helping channel much-needed financing into waste management infrastructure in emerging markets hard hit by the plastic waste crisis.

The session showcased innovative solutions to mobilize resources for sustainable waste management and recycling infrastructure, creating pathways to plastic-free waterways worldwide.

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PCX at Techonomy 24

PCX CEO Sebastian DiGrande took part in a roundtable discussion on plastic pollution at Techonomy 24 on November 19 in New York.

Sebastian highlighted PCX’s mission to combat the plastic waste crisis through market-based innovations like plastic credits, showcasing how technology and economics can support the path forward towards a more circular and sustainable future.