Plastics Pollution Policy Gaps in the Pacific Region

Pacific Islands policy frameworks do not capture the full life cycle of plastics. Yet, plastics emit greenhouse gases and ozone depleting chemicals, create marine litter, shed microplastics, and leach toxic chemicals throughout their full life cycle. For example, these toxic chemicals include carcinogenic monomers, additives, and persistent organic pollutants. These plastics and chemicals impact the enjoyment of the right to a healthy environment.