# Panama

[Contact the National Secretariat](mailto:info@npap-panama.org)


## Plastic Pollution Challenges

Panama is facing a critical plastic pollution crisis that threatens its environment, economy, and public health. This issue impacts aquatic ecosystems, marine life, and local livelihoods while jeopardizing the country’s economic stability. In 2022, Panama generated over 380,000 tons of municipal plastic waste, equating to about 90 kilograms per person annually—nearly double the regional average of 49.5 kilograms per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 88% of the plastic waste generated is improperly managed, with approximately 336,000 tons ending up in landfills, being burned openly, or polluting aquatic and terrestrial environments. These challenges further strain the country's integrated waste management system (GIRS) and highlight barriers to effective enforcement, particularly in rural areas.

[More](#)


## Panama’s Commitment to Combating Plastic Pollution

In response to this crisis, Panama has implemented a series of key measures to address plastic pollution and promote a circular economy. Notable legislative actions include: Law 1 of 2018: Encourages the use of reusable bags in commercial establishments. Law 187 of 2020: Regulates the reduction of single-use plastics, with supporting regulations outlined in Executive Decree No. 9 of 2022. Law 223 of 2021: Provides environmental incentives to support the recycling industry. Law 276 of 2021: Establishes regulations for the integrated management of solid waste throughout Panama. Panama Marine Litter Action Plan 2022-2027: Defines strategies to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution. These initiatives reflect Panama’s strong commitment—both politically and socially—to advancing sustainable plastic management.


## Panama National Plastic Action Partnership

In 2023, Panama took a significant step forward in tackling plastic pollution by joining GPAP and launching the Panama National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). This groundbreaking initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, brings together a wide range of stakeholders from across the plastic value chain to collaborate on reducing plastic pollution nationwide. Panama NPAP aims to build a shared vision and foster collective action to address the root causes of plastic waste. By engaging sectors from government and business to civil society, it seeks to create lasting solutions that drive Panama toward a circular economy, reduce plastic waste, and protect its environment for future generations.


## Catalog

*Browse catalog items*


### The Panama National Plastic Action Roadmap

The roadmap outlines a clear and actionable plan aiming for 58% circularity by 2040 — cutting plastic pollution by 86%.Led by the Ministry of Environment, the report was developed with contributions from over 150 stakeholders, including government, industry, recyclers, academia, and civil society.


### Full Report

[Read here (Spanish)](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/case-study-details/panama-national-plastic-action-roadmap-%28esp%29/aJYTG0000000bFh4AI)


### Executive Summary

[Read here (Spanish)](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/case-study-details/hoja-de-ruta-de-acci%C3%B3n-para-los-pl%C3%A1sticos-de-panam%C3%A1/aJYTG0000000SVl4AM)


### The Panama Trade Case Study

This case study explores Panama's journey toward a circular plastic economy and the crucial role of trade policy in driving this transition.Developed with insights from a multi-stakeholder community, it provides actionable policy recommendations to foster dialogue in Panama and the Central American Common Market, advancing the role of trade in building a more sustainable plastics economy.

[Read the Executive Summary](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/case-study-details/hoja-de-ruta-de-acci%C3%B3n-para-los-pl%C3%A1sticos-de-panam%C3%A1/aJYTG0000000SVl4AM)


### English Version

[Download here](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/case-study-details/panama-trade-case-study/aJYTG0000000QFR4A2)


### Spanish Version

[Download here](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/case-study-details/estudio-de-caso-de-comercio-en-panam%C3%A1/aJYTG0000000QH34AM)


### NPAP Panama Secretariat

The Panama NPAP Secretariat is hosted by ANCON, in partnership with the Global Plastic Action Partnership of the World Economic Forum.

[Visit the NPAP Panama website](www.npap-panama.org)


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


### Let's Connect

Do you work for a government, business, intergovernmental organization, or civil society? Join forces with GPAP to fast-track our collective progress towards a world free of plastic waste and pollution.

[Contact us](mailto:plasticaction@weforum.org)


## Cross-Sector Support


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


*Partner organizations and sponsors*