This report evaluates the trajectory of plastic pollution from a company’s operations under varying scenarios of circularity actions and waste management strategies through to the year 2040.

Across all scenarios, it is evident that while specific circularity interventions can significantly influence circularity scores, they do not always correspond to reducing plastic pollution. On the other hand, implementing plastic reduction strategies directly impacts plastic pollution but is not reflected in the circularity score.

This dichotomy highlights an essential finding: focusing solely on circularity does not provide companies with the strategies they need to properly address the ongoing challenge of plastic pollution. Therefore, a comprehensive plastic strategy must holistically integrate circularity actions with robust reduction targets to turn off the tap of plastic waste.

Pursuing zero plastic pollution by 2040 remains an ambitious and complex goal. This report’s data-driven insights emphasize the need for a balanced approach that embraces the principles of circularity and champions the cause of absolute waste reduction. Such an integrated strategy will be critical to significantly mitigating plastic pollution.