Table 2 International efforts on increasing the recycling targets of plastic wastes

United Nations

Plastic Packaging

2025: 100% (reusable, recyclable, or compostable)

To develop innovative business models

To invent innovative materials

To offer funding mechanisms

[2, 3]

European Union

Plastic Packaging

Plastic Wastes

2030: 100% (recyclable)

2030: 55% (recyclable)

To expand producers’ responsibilities

To develop quality standards for recycled plastics

To establish the plastic value chain

[15, 16]

United Kingdom

Plastic Packaging

2025: 100% (reusable, recyclable, or compostable)

To develop recycling labeling rules

To develop design guidelines

To develop innovative recyclable packaging systems

To expand producers’ responsibilities

To identify new opportunities for markets

To encourage citizen participations

[11]

The Netherlands

Single-Use Plastic Products /Packaging

2025: 100% (recyclable/reusable)

Undamaged recyclables: >  70%

To develop new product design

To promote chemical recycling

[12]

Japan

Plastic Products

Plastic Containers / Packaging

Used Plastics

2025: Plastics should be more sortable, reusable/recyclable

2030: 60%

2035 100%

To initiate storefront drop-offs.

To develop systematic recycling mechanisms.

To optimize recycling (chemical recycling and heat utilization).

To create market demands.

To collect intelligence on the states of global resources.

[13]

South Korea

Plastics

2030: 70%

To encourage green designs.

To revitalize the recycling infrastructure.

To classify the recycling label systems.

To encourage the collaboration between private and public sectors.

[17,18,19]