Plastic Pollution Mitigation Action Framework (PAF)

After assessing your plastic footprint and setting science-aligned targets, the next step is taking credible, measurable action. The Plastic Pollution Mitigation Action Framework (PAF) helps companies categorize and quantify mitigation efforts in a consistent, science-based way.

Haven’t assessed your plastic footprint yet? → Start with our Assessment Methodology

What is the PAF?

The PAF provides a structured framework to account for plastic mitigation actions taken by companies, both within and beyond their value chain. It draws inspiration from the Net Zero Initiative, adapting its principles to the plastic context.

The PAF helps companies:

– Identify eligible mitigation actions

– Distinguish between attributional and consequential reductions

– Ensure actions are measurable, additional, and aligned with science

– Support impact accounting beyond value chain investments

Our vision encompasses the comprehensive protection of ecosystems, human health, climate change, and non-renewable resource consumption. It emphasizes transparency, scientific rigor, and actionability in corporate targets.

The PFN proposes that the Corporate Accountability Framework under development includes three steps: Reduce, Avoid, and Manage. The steps underpin the Plastic Footprint Networks ongoing focus and efforts around the creation of an effective Plastics Treaty.

While ideal metrics may not exist for all areas of protection, the framework encourages corporate actors to set targets based on existing science, with alignment to the coming UN Treaty goals.

The Three Pillars of Action

The PAF organizes actions into three pillars:

Pillar A – Reduce plastic leakage in company’s scopes 1, 2, and 3 (attributional reductions)
Pillar B – Avoid plastic leakage by influencing broader systems (consequential reductions)
Pillar C – Recover plastic that has already leaked into the environment

Each action is further categorized based on whether it occurs within or outside the company’s value chain.

Open for consultation

The PAF module will undergo multiple rounds of review in 2025. Respond to the public consultation by completing this form before May 15th.

After public consultation, the framework will be reviewed by expert groups, with the expected publication of the updated framework in November 2025.

Not sure where to start?

Here’s the full PFN process:

🔹 Step 1: Measure your plastic footprint
🔹 Step 2: Set targets aligned with science
🔹 Step 3: Implement credible mitigation actions

A vision for a corporate plastic accountability framework

Co-creating a vision: building blocks for developing plastic pollution target setting aligned to the UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution and mitigation actions led by best-in-class science.

This Vision Statement was developed by the PFN and its advisory committee:

PFN is thankful for the time and input of CDP in the development of the Vision Statement.

Help optimize the framework

Organizations interested in adding their voice to development of the target setting framework and/or demonstrating leadership as pilot users of the framework, are encouraged to get in touch.

Join the network

All individuals and organizations that are committed to using robust science and collaboration to create solutions to the plastic pollution crisis are invited to join the Plastic Footprint Network.

Plastic Pollution Mitigation Action Framework (PAF)​

After assessing your plastic footprint and setting science-aligned targets, the next step is taking credible, measurable action. The Plastic Pollution Mitigation Action Framework (PAF) helps companies categorize and quantify mitigation efforts in a consistent, science-based way.​

Haven’t assessed your plastic footprint yet? → Start with our Assessment Methodology​