The Philippines and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) kicked off the inaugural International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics), highlighting scalable solutions to plastic waste through nuclear innovation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the two-day event gathers global leaders, ministers, scientists, industry representatives, and development partners to advance nuclear technologies that address plastic pollution and accelerate real-world adoption.
The DFA noted that with the Philippines’ election to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2025–2027, the country is taking on a more active role in shaping international cooperation and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Launched in 2021, the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics program now supports more than 100 member states in tracking microplastics, identifying plastic types, and applying cost-effective laboratory methods while training scientists and promoting radiation technologies that upcycle low-value waste.
The DFA said the Philippines’ flagship project is the Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion (PREx) developed by DOST-PNRI, adding that the country is one of nine pilot states leading global plastics upcycling efforts, a focus underscored by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the forum’s launch.
