Amman, October 14 (Petra) -- Minister of Environment Dr. Ayman Suleiman on Tuesday launched the "Circular Solutions for Plastic Pollution in Jordan" project, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, to advancing a green and circular economy that promotes sustainable development, protects natural resources, and enhances citizens’ quality of life.

The project, implemented by the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to develop sustainable business models that facilitate the transition toward a circular economy while reducing the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.

Dr. Suleiman explained that the initiative seeks to minimize environmental and health risks by limiting the use of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable practices, particularly in the food and beverage packaging sector. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships as a cornerstone of the shift toward a circular economy, noting that the project will strengthen the legislative and regulatory framework for reducing single-use plastics and foster industrial innovation toward eco-friendly alternatives.

The Minister added that the project aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which aims to build a competitive, innovation-driven economy that balances economic growth with environmental and social justice. He also commended the Jordan Chamber of Industry and Jordan Chamber of Commerce for their role in promoting sustainable production practices and supporting the national transition toward greener policies.

For her part, Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, reaffirmed the organization’s support for the government’s environmental goals, noting that the project contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11, 12, 13, and 14. She said the initiative will strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors through a national platform for circular solutions to plastic pollution, designed to share knowledge and leverage global best practices.

Aboul-Hosn also warned that the growing volume of plastic materials and waste increases health and environmental risks, stressing the need for effective legislation and proper waste management to curb pollution and safeguard public health.

The project is expected to reduce approximately 5,000 tons of plastic waste over the next five years, creating a measurable environmental impact and reinforcing Jordan’s efforts to transition toward a circular and sustainable economy.

//Petra// RZ