Evaluating International Approaches to Tackling the Pervasiveness of Plastic and Expanding the Evaluation Framework - WR1930

Evaluating international policy approaches, how effective they are, whether they are fit for purpose and considering factors that lead to their success or failure is incredibly valuable when planning for future interventions. In order to perform useful and reliable policy evaluation, it is vital that there is a fair and repeatable methodology applied which encompasses meaningful data collection across the international landscape, rigorous analysis, and an unbiased review of the process. Using such a methodology creates an invaluable tool for informing policy development and can be applied to some of the biggest challenges faced by policy makers today such as the pervasiveness of plastic and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

1.1 Plastics
When considering plastics, it is easy to understand how they have become ubiquitous. They have an abundance of useful properties and lend themselves to a vast range of applications. However, this prevalence has led to undesirable impacts. Though the extent and reach of these impacts are still being categorised and understood, there is international consensus that action needs to be taken urgently to bend the plastics curve and work towards a circular economy in plastics to reduce and avert the problems that the universal presence of plastic is creating.

1.2 Net Zero and biodegradable waste
Reaching Net Zero requires policy development across Government with each department addressing their area of responsibility. For Defra, in Resources and Waste, the largest source of emissions comes from landfills and the methane generated from the anaerobic breakdown of biodegradable waste. A way of reducing these emissions going forward is to reduce or eliminate biodegradable material entering landfill and ensure that any biodegradable waste produced is treated using a less emissions intensive method. Many countries have explored and implemented policies relating to the diversion, or elimination of biodegradable waste from landfill. Applying an evaluation methodology to these policies will give a valuable insight for policymakers to reflect on when considering domestic approaches ensuring lessons can be learnt from the experience of international counterparts.

This project focuses on further development of mechanisms to evaluate international policies that exist in the areas of Plastics, and to extend the use of these tools into a new area Net Zero and biodegradable waste.