Research Priorities for a Circular Economy for Plastic Sustainability in the Caribbean

Caribbean countries bear a disproportionate burden of marine plastic pollution because of their small landmass, high population density, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. Many Caribbean nations depend on informal, unmanaged landfills, underscoring an urgent need for more resilient, sustainable systems. This perspective synthesizes existing data to map the region’s plastic waste landscape and leverages regional expertise to identify key research priorities. This work emerged from interdisciplinary international professionals and members of the CEPlaSt (circular economy for plastic sustainability) network. A major barrier to circularity is the lack of reliable data on waste composition and flows, alongside stark infrastructure disparities across the wider Caribbean region. Addressing these gaps through targeted investment and region-specific planning is essential to modernize waste systems, reduce plastic emissions, and advance a sustainable Caribbean plastic circular economy.