Global investments in tackling plastic pollution reached $190bn between 2018 and 2023, according to the World Economic Forum.

While this financial commitment underscores growing efforts to address one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, critical gaps remain—particularly in emerging markets and in preventive and digital solutions.

The WEF disclosed this in its report on Wednesday titled, “Advanced Technologies are Changing our Lives—and they can help us Beat Plastic Pollution.”

“Financing is crucial, and when it comes to tackling plastic pollution, investment flow determines whether progress is local or global, narrow or comprehensive. Between 2018 and 2023, $190bn was invested in circular plastic initiatives,” the report stated.

The report highlighted that 82 per cent of the funding was directed toward recovery and recycling technologies—vital efforts, yet only one part of the value chain.

Preventive measures, reuse models, and digital waste management systems, by comparison, received significantly less funding, the Forum state.

The uneven distribution of investments is also a major concern. Emerging markets, which bear the brunt of the global plastic pollution crisis, received just 6 per cent of the total funding, leaving them with inadequate resources to address the issue effectively.

The WEF report noted a stark disparity in funding distribution, with capital flows heavily concentrated in the Global North.

This focus risks neglecting the needs of countries in the Global South, where insufficient waste management infrastructure exacerbates the crisis.

Wealthy nations often export their plastic waste to these regions, compounding environmental and social challenges.

“To achieve meaningful global progress, investment strategies must shift to encompass the full spectrum of solutions, from prevention to reuse, and include greater financial backing for emerging markets, where the stakes are highest,” the report emphasised.

Despite significant advancements in technology, the adoption of innovative solutions remains limited.

Blockchain-enabled material tracking, smart waste management systems, and advanced recycling methods hold promise but have yet to achieve widespread adoption.

The report revealed that only 2.3 per cent of the $190bn was allocated to digital tools that automate waste management or enhance transparency across supply chains.

These tools, such as track-and-trace systems, have the potential to transform material flows, optimise circularity, and improve accountability. However, their underfunding poses a significant barrier to progress.

The WEF called for a more balanced approach to funding, emphasising the need to support preventive measures, reuse models, and digital innovations alongside recycling efforts.

Addressing regulatory inconsistencies across countries is also critical to scaling cohesive and effective solutions globally.

“Advanced technologies are changing our lives—and they can help us beat plastic pollution,” the report concluded.