联合国贸易发展委员会-发展中国家的塑料替代_部门机遇和挑战（英）-2025_94页_16mb

Summary of "Plastic Substitution in Developing Countries"

Core Content

This report examines the opportunities and challenges of substituting conventional plastics in three key sectors of developing countries: food export packaging, fishing nets and gear, and agricultural mulch and seedling tubes. The focus is on identifying sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact while supporting economic growth and development. The research is conducted by a team from Curtin University and the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Main Sectors and Their Challenges

1. Food Export Packaging

• Role of Plastic: Plastic packaging is essential for food safety, distribution efficiency, and global trade.
• Current Practices: In Ghana and Nigeria, raw cocoa beans are often transported in jute bags lined with plastic, while processed cocoa products like butter and powder rely heavily on plastic packaging.
• Challenges: Socioeconomic issues such as high poverty rates and inadequate waste management infrastructure hinder sustainable packaging solutions.
• Sustainable Alternatives:
  • Biodegradable jute liners
  • Compostable sacks
  • Seaweed-based bioplastics
• Opportunities:
  • Circular economy policies (EPR, DRS)
  • Integration of traditional and Indigenous knowledge with modern innovations
  • Local production of sustainable packaging materials

2. Fishing Nets and Gear

• Impact of Plastics: Plastic fishing gear, while beneficial for durability and efficiency, contributes significantly to marine pollution through "ghost gear."
• Challenges:
  • Environmental damage to marine ecosystems
  • Economic risks for countries reliant on fishing and tourism, such as Fiji
• Sustainable Alternatives:
  • Biodegradable polymers and bioblends
  • GPS tracking and systematic reporting to reduce gear loss
  • Recycling initiatives for abandoned nets
• Opportunities:
  • Seaweed culture in coastal areas
  • University-led research into bioblend materials
  • Local production of biodegradable gear

3. Agricultural Mulch and Seedling Tubes

• Role of Plastic: Plastic mulch and seedling tubes are used to enhance crop productivity and support reforestation efforts.
• Challenges:
  • Microplastic contamination and soil degradation
  • High costs of retrieval and disposal
• Sustainable Alternatives:
  • Organic mulching using crop residues
  • Biodegradable mulch films (BDMs)
  • Cellulose-based seedling tubes
• Opportunities:
  • Use of agricultural waste for new business models (e.g., agrimats)
  • Incentives for crop residue collection and composting
  • Kenya's potential for organic mulching due to its abundance of crop residues

Key Findings

• Plastic Pollution Impact: Annual global ecosystem damages from plastic pollution are estimated at $2.2 trillion.
• Plastic Use in 2020: 369 million tons of plastics were traded, valued at $1.2 trillion.
• SMEP Programme Focus: The report aligns with the SMEP programme's strategic focus on high-impact geographical areas such as Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
• Local Solutions: Emphasis is placed on leveraging local resources and innovations for sustainable material substitution.
• Circular Economy: Policies like EPR and DRS are highlighted as effective strategies for promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic waste.

Recommendations

• Promote Organic Mulching: Utilize crop residues to improve soil health and support carbon sequestration.
• Develop Biodegradable Standards: Establish clear guidelines for biodegradable and compostable plastics to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Implement Circular Economy Policies: Encourage EPR and DRS to improve waste management and product life cycle accountability.
• Enhance Recycling Infrastructure: Support the development of local recycling facilities and promote the recovery and repurposing of agricultural residues.
• Facilitate Local Production: Encourage the production of sustainable alternatives to reduce dependency on conventional plastics.
• Encourage South-South Collaboration: Foster partnerships and technology transfer between developing countries to promote innovation in sustainable materials.

Methodology

• Mixed Method Approach: Combines qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• HS Codes Framework: Uses the Harmonized System (HS) codes to evaluate plastic substitutes.
• Case Study Countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Fiji were selected based on their socio-economic and geographical relevance to plastic pollution.
• RCA Analysis: Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) is used to assess countries' strengths in exporting alternative products.

Conclusion

The report underscores the need for sector-specific interventions, local innovation, and international collaboration to address the growing issue of plastic pollution in developing countries. It provides a comprehensive overview of plastic substitutes and alternatives, highlighting their environmental benefits, economic potential, and challenges in adoption. The findings suggest that a circular economy approach is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals while maintaining economic growth in these regions.

Key Terms

• BDM: Biodegradable Mulch Films
• RCA: Revealed Comparative Advantage
• EPR: Extended Producer Responsibility
• DRS: Deposit Return Schemes
• HS Codes: Harmonized System Codes
• SMEP: Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme

Figures and Visuals

• Figure 1: Differentiates between plastic substitutes and alternatives.
• Figure 2: Illustrates the waste hierarchy framework for plastic substitution analysis.

This report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders seeking to implement sustainable practices in the context of developing economies.