BACKGROUND
PDP's Launch at the Clinton Global Initiative
In 2014, the PDP engaged Trucost to launch of the world-first report on the natural capital cost of plastic, called "Valuing Plastic," in coordination with United Nations Environment (UNEP). The report identifies some of the risks and opportunities to brands associated with plastic use. It articulates the business case for measuring, managing and disclosing plastic use, underlined by the new research which identifies $75 billion of annual natural capital costs of plastic use by the consumer goods sector. The research assesses the plastic use and disclosure of the 100 largest companies in the consumer goods industry. You can download the full report here.
The PDP is an initiative that requests annual reporting and transparency regarding the production, use and handling of plastic and plastic waste by organisations. By measuring the amount of plastic that flows through an organisation, efficiencies can be gained in cost reduction, wastage reduction, new design, new materials, and better recycling. While designed for large corporates, institutions such as hospitals, universities, government offices and sports associations or teams can also participate to calculate and report their own "plastic footprint" on an annual basis.
The investment community is interested in this topic too with the growth in ESG Reporting (Environment and Social Governance), as new value can be realized by companies who take time to review and report their improvements in plastic management, community engagement and brand reputation. Investment institutions interested to know more about the project, or who wish to join as signatories to the project, are encouraged to contact us for more information.
All types of industries can benefit from the PDP, and companies big or small, as virtually every company uses plastic in some way. There is no "right or wrong" number in the outcome of the PDP, as the important asset is the focus on the information and data received, in order to make better management decisions, with less waste as the result. Over 40 companies and institutions have undertaken the PDP in some format, and it is possible do so with one single product (SKU), a line of products, one property, or an entire chain or full operations.
Survey responses will only be made publicly available when agreed by the responding PDP participants.
Objectives
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Reduce plastic waste in the environment
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Encourage sustainable business practices vis-a-vis plastic
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Inspire improved design & innovative solutions
Mission
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Support annual disclosure of plastic footprints/ management strategies
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Encourage efficiencies in plastic use, reuse and recycling
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Broaden awareness of plastic investment risks and opportunities
PDP's Work with the UN's Seacircular
We are pleased to be working in partnership with United Nations Environment (UNEP) and their Seacircular Program for South East Asia as of 2018, funded by the Swedish Government, in order to help some of the regional economies to reduce and prevent plastic pollution in their countries. As part of the program, the PDP is being introduced to companies and municipalities in both Malaysia and Thailand, in order to help create leaders in different sectors within the region related to efficient plastic management strategies. This work can be replicated by countries and jurisdictions around the world, as it requires no bans, taxes or legislative changes.
The Plastic Disclosure Project (PDP) was announced at the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), and arguably ahead of its time. Modeled after both carbon and water reporting programs, the PDP allows companies and institutions to measure their plastic baselines, which is critical if there is interest to move into a Circular Economy environment. Now that much of the global community is aware of plastic pollution, with brands wanting to become engaged on product and packaging improvements, or material recovery, in order to improve the communities they serve, the PDP is well-suited for engaged management and strategy decisions in helping to create commitments and goals for plastic waste reduction in the years to come.