The United States and China are major contributors to global plastic production, consumption, and pollution. The recognition of how single-use plastic waste is damaging ocean ecosystems and contributing to climate emissions has sparked new partnerships between corporations, NGOs, and local governments in both countries. These collaborations aim to help close the loop on plastic waste by promoting innovations in plastic packaging reduction and waste management systems. 

At this panel, our speakers will talk about their work building partnerships to reduce and create a circular economy for plastic waste. Tiana Lightfoot-Svendsen will kick off the discussion by introducing the creation of the U.S. Plastic Pact’s and its role pulling together U.S. packaging manufacturers, retailers, NGOs, and regulators to eliminate unnecessary plastics and innovate to ensure that the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Next, Anthony Tusino will discuss WWF’s work encouraging U.S. waste management system reforms and incentivizing the use of recycled materials. Sandor Nagy will talk about what steps Driscoll’s, the world’s largest fresh berry seller, is taking to reduce plastic use in their distribution process in the US and overseas.

Please submit questions LIVE during the event using the Q & A feature or email them beforehand to Elijah.Patton@wilsoncenter.org

This meeting is part of the Turning the Tide on Plastic in Asia project, co-led by the China Environment Forum and Institute of Developing Economies. Made possible with support from the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership.