Data-driven solutions: the Plastics Data Checklist

The UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform has developed the Plastics Data Checklist and associated Guide to support countries to systematically assess the availability of national data on plastics throughout the lifecycle.

In the context of the global plastic treaty, the Checklist outlines the range of data required to understand the flows of plastics through a national economy and into the environment, enabling countries to understand their readiness for potential treaty commitments.

The global plastic treaty

As we approach the fifth and final round of negotiations for the global plastic treaty, happening in Busan, South Korea in November 2024, pressure is increasing for countries to deliver an ambitious treaty that will effectively curb plastic pollution.

Despite decades of work to reduce global plastic pollution, a persistent lack of data to inform indicators of progress has hindered the global and national decision-making needed to mitigate plastic pollution, encourage sustainable practices, and support circular economy initiatives. The global plastics treaty can end this plastics data gap.

Introducing the Plastics Data Checklist

The Plastics Data Checklist is a critical tool for countries to better understand the national availability of data on plastics across the lifecycle, as required by the UNEA resolution for a global plastic treaty.

Users can follow three main steps to assess their country’s data readiness and develop evidence-based strategies to address data gaps and challenges.

Step 1: Familiarisation with Data Categories
Practioners should familiarise themselves with the nine chosen data categories (Figure 1), which cover the full lifecycle of plastics from production to leakage in the environment, and how they map together.

*Figure 1. Potential data categories within the plastics lifecycle.*

Step 2: Data assessment
To assess the data, practitioners must identify potential sources of data across national and international inventories, determine if data is available (e.g., open access) and investigate whether the data is fit-for-purpose (reliable and accurate).

Step 3: Gap Analysis and Prioritisation
Complete a strategic analysis to identify components of the Checklist that need to be addressed and identify priority areas for improvement. This process will provide a clear, strategic overview for national-level decision-makers to support the design of targeted plastic management strategies.

To successfully implement the Data Checklist, it is recommended that countries adopt a whole-of-government approach, regularly review and update their data and progress, invest in capacity building for practitioners and leverage international expertise.

What’s next?

By implementing the Data Checklist, governments can enhance their understanding of available data, ultimately supporting them to:

Develop national strategies that are evidence-based and country-specific
Monitor the success of national action and source reduction plans
Produce indicators to track progress against national and international targets
Assess their readiness for the Global Plastics Treaty and inform ambitious yet realistic goals
Contribute to the global knowledge base, supporting collective efforts to combat plastic pollution on an international scale

Using this approach provides governments with the means to transparently demonstrate their progress and ambition to end plastic pollution.