We must change how we design, use, and reuse plastics. We cannot simply recycle or reduce our way out of the plastic pollution crisis. If we don’t act now, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
Governments can turn the tide on plastic pollution
A Global Plastics Treaty is our greatest opportunity to dramatically accelerate solutions at scale and transition to a circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature..
The Global Commitment has united businesses, governments, NGOs, and investors behind a common vision of a circular economy for plastics, delivering measurable progress. However, even the largest voluntary initiatives reach only 20% of the market.
A strong treaty will set the global direction of travel for the whole market in working towards solutions. Global rules will unlock billions in investment, stimulate innovation, simplify supply chains, and save governments hundreds of billions in waste management and avoided environmental and health costs.
The fifth round of negotiations (INC-5) in December showed unprecedented momentum. A strong majority aligned on ambitious, legally-binding global rules, including phase-outs of problematic plastics and sustainable virgin plastic production levels. Over 280 businesses and financial institutions, including major consumer goods companies, have joined the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, urging an ambitious and actionable treaty.
At the INC-5.2 negotiations this August, governments will have a vital opportunity to unite in ambition and agree to a treaty that can deliver profound economic and environmental impact.
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A circular economy for plastic
The circular economy considers every stage of a product’s journey – before and after it reaches the customer. This approach is not only vital to stop plastic pollution, it also offers strong economic, social, and climate benefits. By 2040 a circular economy has the potential to:
reduce the annual volume of plastics entering our oceans by 80%
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%
generate savings of USD 200 bn per year
create 700,000 net additional jobs
The circular economy considers every stage of a product’s journey – before and after it reaches the customer.
To create a circular economy for plastic we must take three actions:
Eliminate
Eliminate all problematic and unnecessary plastic items
Innovate
Innovate to ensure that the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable
Circulate
Circulate all the plastic items we use to keep them in the economy and out of the environment
