WCEF Accelerator Session: Unlocking circularity in Small Island States

Globally, circular solutions to plastic pollution, such as EPR, DRS and reuse are advancing at pace.

But how do be prevent Small Island States from being left behind?

Our online accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 shares experiences from the Caribbean and Indian Ocean to explore how regional collaboration and harmonised approaches can help overcome the challenges many SIDS face.

Plastic pollution landfill on narrow strip of land in Tuvalu with sea on either side

Small Island Developing States face disproportionate strain from plastic pollution. Limited land area, small and dispersed waste volumes, high transport costs and distance from end markets mean that incineration and landfill are the only options available.

Although solutions such as Extended producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) and reuse are advancing globally, these are often not designed for the unique context of SIDS.

In 2025, research led by Common Seas and Circulearth explored how a regional approach to EPR could provide a sustainable solution to waste management challenges in remote island geographies, reducing plastic pollution and strengthening blue economy resilience. A Vision Paper presenting the insights was endorsed by 40 organisations globally, including Nestle, WWF and SIDS governments.

WCEF2026 Accelerator Session

Now, to continue driving action to address these challenges, we are hosting an online accelerator session at the World Circular Economic Forum, exploring which circular economy solutions work for SIDS and how they can be delivered in practice, examining viable interventions and the conditions needed to translate policy ambition into operational systems.

Bringing together experts from SIDS and the private sector, the session will share experiences from the Caribbean and Indian Ocean and highlight how regional collaboration and harmonised approaches can overcome scale constraints, improve investment conditions and support delivery across dispersed markets, offering insights into designing, financing and scaling fit-for-purpose solutions in SIDS and other remote geographies.

About WCEF2026

This webinar is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (wcef2026.com). WCEF2026 is guided by the latest scientific evidence on the most impactful circular solutions. Designed to facilitate targeted discussions that drive the implementation on the ground, the forum is free of charge, open to all online.

More information on the panellists and session schedule coming soon!