What are the benefits and limitations of plastic credits, and what will it take to scale, track and standardize a market for plastics offsets?
In an effort to reduce plastic footprints and improve public perception, some companies are turning to plastic credits and offsets, a system akin to carbon credits that funds the collection of plastics from the environment in exchange for the claim of plastic neutrality. From verifying and tracking plastics credits, to on-the-ground projects and partnerships with nonprofits and informal waste collectors, several organizations are leading the charge for a plastic credit ecosystem, yet skepticism remains high. Without an industry-wide standard for plastic credits, can this nascent system prove reliable? When purchased by plastic producers and polluters, do crediting schemes equate to greenwashing and enable unchecked primary production? Will credit purchases delay critical action in the reduction and recovery of plastics before they reach the environment? Join this panel to explore plastic credits as we distinguish a true market from marketing.