Plastic pollution—including microplastics— has become a global environmental crisis.
In Latin America, plastic waste poses legal challenges at multiple levels. These range from local bans on bags and packaging to global agreements on marine plastic pollution. The regulatory landscape spans the full life cycle of production, consumption, waste, and remediation.

International coordination is essential, as plastics move through oceans and global trade. Yet, Latin America faces fragmented laws, weak enforcement, and low recycling rates. Microplastics are even more poorly regulated, there is no clear limits, filtration standards, or monitoring.  One key opportunity is the adoption of robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. These would require manufacturers to ensure post-consumer collection and recycling.

However, patents on advanced recycling and biodegradable plastics are heavily concentrated. This creates barriers for local innovators and recyclers, especially in developing technologies.

Coordinated action from patent offices and competition authorities is urgently needed.
Tools like green-tech licensing pledges, and antitrust oversight could help.
This project aims to harmonise EPR, regulate microplastics, strengthen border controls, and revise IP rules.