New Plastics Economy Global Commitment - Ellen MacArthur Foundation

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Enriched Foundation · Found: 2026-03-11 13:08

Framework driving signatories to invest in virgin plastic reduction and recycled content. Nestlé alone committed CHF 1.5 billion for food-grade recycled plastics. Creates market demand stimulating private investment in recycling infrastructure.

Source: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/global-commitment-2024

Funding Details

Funder: Ellen MacArthur Foundation (with UN Environment Programme)
Funding Goal: Drive businesses and organizations to commit to circular economy targets for plastics — reducing virgin plastic use, increasing recycled content, and eliminating plastic waste and pollution by 2030 through voluntary commitments, transparent reporting, and collective advocacy.
Funding Amount: No direct funding provided. This is a voluntary commitment framework, not a grant program. Indirect market impact through corporate investment commitments (e.g., Nestlé CHF 1.5 billion for food-grade recycled plastics).
Deadline: 12-month enrollment window currently open (exact end date not specified) (Rolling)
How to Apply: Organizations apply through an online Qualtrics form on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website. Interested parties can also reach out to the Foundation's team for more information before applying. Upon acceptance, signatories commit to 2030 targets and annual public reporting on progress.
Target Region: Global
Contact: Contact available through the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website — "Reach out to the Foundation's team to find out more" via their contact page.
Official Page: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/global-commitment
Last Checked: 2026-03-11 22:00

Application Checklist

Eligibility

Organization must operate in the plastics packaging value chain or have a relevant role in addressing plastic waste/pollution
Must commit to the shared circular economy vision for plastics and set measurable 2030 targets

Project Scope

Align commitments with the 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business framework including individual action, collaborative initiatives, and collective advocacy

Required Documents

Complete the official Qualtrics application form on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website

Constraints

Must publicly report on progress toward targets annually
Application must be submitted within the 12-month sign-up enrollment window

Summary

The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment is the largest global voluntary effort on plastic waste and pollution, uniting over 1,200 organizations behind a shared vision for a circular economy for plastics. Developed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, it requires signatories to set and publicly report on targets for reducing virgin plastic use, increasing recycled content, and improving packaging recyclability through 2030. This is NOT a traditional grant or funding program. It is a commitment framework that creates market signals and industry alignment. Signatories — primarily businesses representing about 20% of global plastic packaging — commit to specific targets and report annually on progress. Collectively, signatories have avoided 14 million tonnes of virgin plastic, tripled recycled content use, and prevented 7.8 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The initiative's indirect financial impact comes from driving corporate investment (e.g., Nestlé's CHF 1.5 billion commitment for food-grade recycled plastics), which stimulates demand for recycling infrastructure. The Global Commitment 2030 phase is currently open for new sign-ups through a 12-month enrollment window. Organizations apply via an online form and must commit to the shared vision, set measurable targets, and report publicly on progress. The Foundation's "2030 Plastics Agenda for Business" provides strategic guidance on market transformation, collaborative initiatives, and policy advocacy.

Historical Context

The Global Commitment was originally launched in 2018 with UNEP. Annual progress reports have been published from 2019 through 2025. The program transitioned to its "Global Commitment 2030" phase with renewed targets, and businesses representing 20% of global plastic packaging have recommitted. Over 1,200 organizations have participated since inception.

Why it was added

Major framework orchestrating corporate financial flows toward plastic circularity, relevant context for OPF partnerships

Sources

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