"Waste management alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis" (Inger Andersen, UNEP)

"Waste management alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis. Most plastics are not designed for recycling, and existing systems are already overwhelmed by volumes that continue to grow unchecked. Prevention, reuse, redesign and circular business models must become priorities, but mobilising adequate finance remains a critical obstacle", declared Inger Andersen, UNEP's under General Secretary, in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) during the 8^th GEF (Global Environment Facility) general assembly, on 03/06/2026.

"Public funding falls well short: Official Development Finance commitments on solid waste management reached only $1.8 Bn in 2021, less than a tenth of estimated needs. Private investment, at $32 Bn annually between 2018 and 2023, is equally insufficient given the $1 trillion per year required to cut plastic pollution by 90% by 2040. Worse, over 80% of private investment targets downstream solutions, while emerging markets receive just 6% of total funding", she said.

According to her, three levers could help close the gap:

• "Stronger regulations — including Extended Producer…