IAEA, established in 1957, is an intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Philippines, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is positioning radiation technology at the center of its fight against plastic pollution, culminating in the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics forum and related initiatives.

A highlight is the Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion (PREx) project, which uses radiation processing to upgrade low-value plastic waste into durable materials, including a PREx Prototype House in Quezon City that showcases recycled plastic products for community housing and practical uses.

IAEA Nutec Plastics, launched in 2021, supports more than 100 member states in tracking microplastics, identifying plastic types, and applying harmonized lab methods while training scientists and promoting radiation technologies that convert plastic waste into useful materials.

The president warns that technological growth must align with human well-being, ethical standards, environmental integrity, and sustainable development amid a global tech shift.

Grossi emphasized awareness of new nuclear technologies and small modular reactors (SMRs), advising technical advisors to inform political decision-makers, noting the president’s strong knowledge on the topic.

Technical sessions, exhibitions, and focused discussions at the forum are designed to foster international collaborations to expand nuclear science’s role in environmental protection.

Grossi stated that the IAEA aims to help the Philippines identify suitable nuclear energy systems and technologies, including SMRs, beyond traditional power plants.

Grossi and the Philippines advanced a new agreement with the Asian Development Bank to bolster regional financing and technical support for nuclear power projects.

The Philippines has rejoined the IAEA Board of Governors, strengthening its role in shaping global nuclear policies and boosting technical support in nuclear medicine, agriculture, food security, and energy.

The two-day forum through November 26, 2025, is organized by the IAEA with Philippine partners, highlighting the country’s leadership in applying nuclear and radiation technologies for practical solutions.

On the forum sidelines, Grossi stressed developing a systematic mechanism for cooperation between IAEA technical experts and Philippine counterparts.

Republic Act 12305, signed before the event, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and peaceful applications, signaling readiness for science-driven international cooperation.

Marcos, who will chair ASEAN in 2026, envisions NUTEC Plastics as a model for regional collaboration and aims to expand the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) for regulatory harmonization, literacy, and laboratory networks.

Marcos met with Grossi, who noted the President’s enthusiasm for nuclear energy and its potential to help reach the target of integrating nuclear power into the energy mix by 2032, with initial goals around 1,200 MW and scaling to 4,800 MW by 2050.

Grossi described radiation-enabled recycling as a solvent-free method that can turn waste into durable bricks and tiles through PREx, expanding recycling without problematic chemicals.

Forum agenda centers on a circular economy via radiation technologies, enhanced microplastics monitoring for coastal policy, and partnerships to drive sustainable development.

Marcos opened the IAEA International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, underscoring the need for international and cross-sector networks in scientific progress.

The two-day event aims to advance science-driven strategies using nuclear tech to curb plastic waste, strengthen recycling systems, and protect marine ecosystems.

NUTEC Plastics complements broader IAEA cooperation on food and water security, health, agriculture, energy, and disaster resilience, reinforcing international scientific networks.

Marcos stated that tackling waste requires credible, scalable, science-based technology beyond regulation and advocacy.

The NUTEC Plastics Investment and Partnership Brochure was launched to outline opportunities for scaling up investment in nuclear science for environmental protection and industry growth.

The brochure details pathways for governments, research institutions, and private companies to scale nuclear-enabled recycling technologies, marine monitoring, and sustainable industrial applications.

The remarks emphasize a strategy that leverages science-based nuclear technology to combat plastic pollution rather than relying solely on regulation.

IAEA-assisted microplastics laboratory at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute provides data to inform global models, support policy interventions, and monitor real-time impacts on marine ecosystems.

Philippines is strengthening coastal microplastic monitoring through harmonized global methods to better understand marine pollution and inform policy.

A dedicated session will highlight youth perspectives on nuclear solutions to the global plastic waste challenge.

The event endorses IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics as a crucial approach combining nuclear applications with environmental protection to tackle plastic waste and its impacts.

IAEA, founded in 1957 and based in Vienna, leads global nuclear science cooperation; the Philippines has been an IAEA member since 1958 and was elected to the Board of Governors for 2025–2027.

The forum underscores the Philippines’ aim to position itself as a leader in science-based plastic pollution solutions with global influence on economies and ecosystems.

Philippines is advancing under UN SDG 14 by hosting a microplastics laboratory and serving as a beta tester for radiation-modified recycling of polymer waste.

PREx is led by DOST-PNRI, with the prototype testbed in Quezon City serving long-term studies on environmental exposure, structural performance, and degradation.

Radiation technology is highlighted for enhancing polymer properties, reducing degradation, and enabling new industrial uses for plastics, turning waste into value.

The Philippines ranks as the world’s third-largest source of plastic pollution, producing about 2.7 million metric tons annually, per DOST.

NUTEC Plastics is IAEA’s flagship initiative using irradiation to treat plastics and enhance recycling potential without solvents or additional chemicals.