GSMA

Challenge

Plastic waste is a global challenge that we must address if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or meet the ambitious targets set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Plastic pollution continues to be driven by plastic packaging in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia, where formal waste collection systems are often underdeveloped or non-existent. However, there are promising circular economy solutions – many of which were highlighted in the landscaping study “Digital Dividends in Plastics Recycling” produced by GSMA in 2021.

Following on from this previous work, GSMA needed to understand where mutually beneficial opportunities existed for plastic organisations and mobile network operators (MNOs).

Approach

Our research was designed to understand how partnerships between MNOs and plastics organisations can best be supported to address the plastic waste problem in LMICs. Discussions with a range of stakeholders, including business leaders, helped to create a holistic picture of the challenges and potential opportunities.

Our broader analysis relied on desk research and interviews conducted as part of other GSMA studies. Within this research we combined a case study approach with collaborative workshops, bringing together potential partners to explore challenges and opportunities. We spoke with: • Two MNOs – one from Kenya and one from the Philippines; • Six plastics organisations – two each from India, Kenya and the Philippines; and • One MNO and one plastics organisation jointly from the Philippines.

Impact

Our report explores the challenges and opportunities across the plastics value chain and identifies areas of shared value and mutual benefit for MNOs and plastics organisation in this circular economy. It illustrates the different advantages that such partnerships could offer both MNOs and plastics organisations across the “triple bottom line” of People, Planet and Profit. Through this we are supporting the development of relationships that will directly impact plastic production, reuse and recycling in LMICs.

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