How a Pacific programme that eliminates plastic, employs women, and is designed to pay for itself can be replicated across the region. Combining cutting-edge innovation with a community-based approach, Tuvalu is pioneering a Pacific programme that eliminates plastic, employs women, and is designed to pay for itself. This session builds on Tuvalu's national commitment and shows how it can replicate across the Pacific. According to UNEP, nappies are one of the largest contributors to the global plastic waste crisis. In the Pacific, nappies are 27% of household waste, creating 173,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year (SPREP 2022). Tuvalu is the first nation to stop plastic nappy pollution at the source by shifting to alternative materials. In partnership with The Greater Good, nappies are made only with compostable materials, patented, tested and proven to compost to national standards. No plastic. No pollution. No waste. Local women employed by The Greater Good run the collection and composting service, guaranteeing every nappy returns to nature. Financing is the second innovation. Accessing the new Alternative Material Certificate programme and an outcome-based bond, the project is designed to fund itself through verified climate finance. Nappies sell at price parity, and donors only pay once the impact is independently verified. Powered by mothers, compostable nappies eliminate plastic pollution by building circular, self-reliant communities in the South Pacific.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Hon. Dr Maina Talia, Climate Change Minister, Government of Tuvalu, Pepetua Latasi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Tuvalu, Anthony Talouli, Director Waste Management and Pollution Control SPREP (Moderator), Lina Losa Peleti, Tuvalu Manager, The Greater Good Diaper Project, Kim Graham-Nye, Co-Founder, The Greater Good Diaper Project, Dr Jason Graham-Nye, Co-Founder, The Greater Good Diaper Project