Government partnerships

Partnering with governments to reduce plastic pollution

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and small coastal countries are on the frontlines of plastic pollution they did not create.

Policy and regulation are crucial to driving real change.

Through robust data analysis and collaboration, we develop evidence-based national policy strategies.

We collaborate with governments and leading organisations in SIDS and small coastal countries to identify and accelerate the implementation of the most effective policies to significantly reduce plastic pollution, to protect people’s health, safeguard the environment and benefit future generations.

Evidence-based policy development

Plastic Drawdown is Common Seas’ data modelling tool. It uses a waste flow analysis, coupled with consultation sessions, to model and visualise the baseline flow of plastic waste through a country.

It allows us to move beyond bans on single use plastics to identify and visualise the impacts of the most effective policies to reduce plastic waste and marine plastic pollution.

We developed the tool in consultation with 24 governments around the world, more than half of whom are SIDS.

To find out more, you can read the methodology in the Global Environmental Change Journal.

Plastic Drawdown is a UN Ocean Decade project

Where we work

Global Plastics Treaty

Common Seas INC-5 delegation in front of sign for the negotiation session in Busan, Korea. Large blue sign with white text.

Almost 200 countries are negotiating a historic Global Plastics Treaty to stop the flow of plastic pollution. The treaty – still being negotiated – could stop the flow of plastic pollution, driving coordinated action to safeguard our ocean, our health, and our future.

But only if we get it right. Find out more about the treaty and our work to support it.

Global Plastics Treaty