联合国贸易发展委员会-离开海岸_海洋塑料替代品和塑料替代品（英）-2025_86页_2mb

Report Summary: Marine-Based Substitutes and Alternatives to Plastics

Introduction

Plastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems and human health, prompting the exploration of marine-based substitutes (MBSAs) as biodegradable and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This summary highlights the key findings, challenges, and recommendations from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study.

Key Findings

Potential of MBSAs

• MBSAs include materials from seaweed, algae, marine biopolymers, minerals, and invertebrates, offering biodegradability and lower environmental footprints.
• Examples include algae-based bioplastics, carrageenan, and minerals used as fillers in bio-composites.
• Global MBSA trade reached $10.8 billion in 2022, with Indonesia, China, and the US as major exporters.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Economic and Market Barriers: High production costs, limited economies of scale, and competition from cheap fossil fuel-based plastics hinder MBSA adoption.
• Regulatory Hurdles: NTMs (Non-Tariff Measures) and tariffs disproportionately affect MBSAs, particularly animal/plant-based products. SPS measures for food safety often apply to non-food uses.
• Environmental Trade-offs: Life cycle assessments (LCAs) show potential benefits but also risks like incomplete biodegradation and GHG emissions if not managed properly.
• Opportunities: MBSAs can drive socio-economic development, especially in coastal regions and SIDS, through job creation and sustainable livelihoods.

Trade Implications

• Tariffs and NTMs for MBSAs are higher than for synthetic plastics in many developing countries.
• Harmonized standards (e.g., through HS code updates) and international cooperation can reduce barriers.
• Policies supporting MBSAs include incentives for R&D and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Governments and IGOs: Establish regulatory frameworks, harmonize standards (e.g., UN Global Plastics Treaty), and reduce trade barriers.
• Businesses: Invest in R&D, supply chain sustainability, and certifications to enhance market competitiveness.
• Civil Society and Academia: Raise awareness, advocate for policies, and conduct interdisciplinary research.
• All Stakeholders: Promote multi-stakeholder partnerships to unlock MBSA potential for sustainable development.

MBSAs offer a promising avenue to mitigate plastic pollution while fostering economic and environmental sustainability, contingent on addressing current barriers and fostering collaboration.