Addressing the Plastic Challenge with Credible Metrics and Valuation

- Valuing Impact partners with EA and the Plastic Footprint Network

Plastic pollution is among the most pervasive environmental challenges of our time, affecting ecosystems, human health, and economies globally. To effectively tackle this issue, organizations need credible methodologies that not only measure their plastic footprint but also drive actionable strategies to mitigate it. This is precisely the aim of the Plastic Footprint Network (PFN), a global, multi-stakeholder initiative launched by Earth Action. PFN develops and promotes methodologies that allow companies across various sectors and industries to measure, disclose, and reduce their plastic footprint in meaningful and transparent ways.

At the core of PFN’s approach is the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Action Framework—a practical and future-focused tool designed to help businesses set realistic reduction targets, implement effective mitigation actions, and align with evolving global sustainability disclosure standards. Notably, this framework aligns with key standards, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), particularly ESRS E5, which emphasizes resource efficiency and the circular economy. Additionally, PFN’s methodology complements emerging guidelines from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and is aligned with existing protocols, such as the GHG Protocol and OECD Guidelines. Through this comprehensive alignment, PFN provides organizations a robust path toward integrated, credible, and impactful plastic-related disclosures, transforming intention into genuine transparency and accountability.

Earth Action and Valuing Impact share a long-standing professional relationship rooted in the shared history of our founders. This connection has recently evolved into a deeper partnership. Valuing Impact now contributes to the development of valuation methodologies for the Earth Action initiative, complementing their ongoing efforts to refine and expand PFN’s plastic leakage methodology.

To demonstrate the methodology's potential, Valuing Impact recently applied it in collaboration with a major global apparel company known for its extensive and complex value chain.

We analyzed their comprehensive water footprint, covering water eutrophication, toxicity, depletion, and plastic leakage into waterways and oceans. This analysis included microplastics, macroplastics, plastic pellets, and tire wear associated with logistics, covering every step from raw materials and manufacturing to product use and end-of-life disposal.

The results highlighted the significant role plastic leakage plays within the company’s overall environmental footprint. Specifically, plastic leakage accounted for an astonishing 23% of the total societal cost associated with their water footprint—indicating that nearly one-fourth of their water-related environmental impact was directly attributable to plastic pollution.

This insight was made possible through the integration of PFN’s leakage calculation methodologies with Valuing Impact’s eQALY impact valuation method, which already includes valuation factors for plastics. Moving forward, we see further potential for refining these valuation factors to account for different plastic types, geographical contexts, diverse ecosystems, and a detailed breakdown of impact costs (health, biodiversity, economic impacts, etc.). Through continued collaboration and innovation, we aim to provide organizations with ever more precise, actionable, and impactful tools for tackling the global plastic challenge.

As PFN grows, it continues to seek new sponsors and collaborators to drive the next phase of its development. This phase includes enhancing sector-specific insights, refining methodologies, and deepening alignment with global sustainability disclosure frameworks such as CSRD, ESRS E5, the GHG Protocol, and TNFD.

Sponsors play a crucial role in developing robust tools and methodologies that empower companies to move from simply measuring their impact to effectively mitigating it. By joining PFN, companies support the development of public resources benefiting the broader sustainability community and gain early access to evolving guidance, case studies, and a network of sustainability leaders.

If your organization is dedicated to science-based, credible action on plastic pollution, joining PFN represents a unique opportunity to influence systemic change. For more information, visit reach out via Earth Action or contact us directly!

The following methods are already available:

Macroplastic:

• Packaging

• Textile

• Fishing gear

• Leakage from waste export

• Release rates

Microplastic:

• Tires

• Textile fibers

• Agriculture