Policy Tracker
Global plastic policy developments — regulations, treaties, and voluntary standards shaping the plastic credits market.
8
Policies tracked
6
In force or adopted
1
Under negotiation
7
Jurisdictions
Policy Register
EU-PPWR
AdoptedUpdated Apr 2025
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Replaces the 1994 Packaging Directive. Sets mandatory recycled-content targets for plastic packaging (25–35% by 2030), recyclability requirements, and Extended Producer Responsibility obligations across all 27 member states. Includes provisions that may create demand for plastic credits as a compliance instrument.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
Potential driver of demand for plastic credits as a compliance or offsetting mechanism for brands operating in the EU.
UN-INC
NegotiatingUpdated Nov 2024
UN Global Plastics Treaty (INC Process)
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process under UNEA Resolution 5/14. Five rounds of negotiations toward a binding global agreement. INC-5 in Busan (Nov 2024) did not reach agreement; INC-5.2 continuation sessions planned for 2025. Core disputes: legally binding production caps vs. waste-management-only approach.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
Could establish plastic credits as a treaty mechanism, or create compliance demand. Outcome remains uncertain.
EU-CSRD
In ForceUpdated Jan 2024
EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Requires large EU-listed companies to disclose material sustainability impacts including plastic waste under ESRS E5 (resource use and circular economy). First reporting year: 2025 (FY2024). Supply chain disclosure obligations drive demand for verified plastic footprint data.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
Creates corporate demand for plastic footprint measurement and verified reduction/offset evidence, driving interest in plastic credits.
INDIA-PWM
In ForceUpdated 2022
Plastic Waste Management Rules (India)
MoEFCC rules under the Environment (Protection) Act. Bans single-use plastics from July 2022. EPR framework requires producers, importers, and brand owners to register on the CPCB portal and demonstrate plastic waste collection equal to the plastic they put on market. Creates the largest national EPR credit market.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
India's EPR system is one of the world's largest operating plastic credit markets, with Recykal and others acting as marketplace operators.
BASEL
In ForceUpdated Jan 2021
Basel Convention — Plastic Waste Amendments
2019 amendments entered into force January 2021. Place non-recyclable and contaminated plastic waste under the Prior Informed Consent procedure for transboundary shipments. Effectively restricts plastic waste exports from OECD to non-OECD countries, reshaping where ocean-bound plastic collection and recycling projects operate.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
Changes the geography and logistics of ocean-bound plastic projects and international plastic credit supply chains.
UK-EPR
AdoptedUpdated 2025
UK Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging
UK EPR scheme shifts the cost of household packaging recycling from councils to producers. Compliance fee payments begin April 2025. PRN (Packaging Recovery Note) system provides credit-like instruments for packaging waste recovery. Modelled on the EU PPWR but with UK-specific thresholds.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
PRN system is an existing form of plastic credit; UK EPR experience informs EU PPWR implementation design.
VERRA-PWRS
In ForceUpdated 2023
Verra Plastic Waste Reduction Standard
Verra's plastic credit standard under the VCS program. Supports plastic credit issuance for collection and recycling projects. Methodology suite covers collection (VM0044), mechanical recycling, and emerging chemical recycling pathways. Each credit represents one tonne of plastic waste collected and diverted from the environment.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
The primary reference standard for plastic credits sold to corporate buyers, and the standard most analysed for compliance linkage under PPWR.
ID-EPR
ProposedUpdated 2024
Indonesia Extended Producer Responsibility
Draft EPR regulation under development by Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Would require plastic producers and importers to fund collection and recycling of plastic they put on market. Indonesia is the world's second-largest ocean plastic polluter; EPR implementation would significantly expand certified collection project supply.
Relevance to Plastic Credits
If implemented, would substantially grow the ocean-bound and certified plastic credit supply from one of the highest-leakage geographies.
Policy tracker is updated on a best-efforts basis. Status reflects our editorial assessment as of the date shown and is not legal advice. For binding compliance decisions, consult the official regulatory texts and qualified legal counsel.