From ambition to action: we need a legally-binding treaty on plastic pollution
Streamed on 22nd February 2022
Published on
Streamed on 15th June 2021
To stop packaging pollution we need 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. where we eliminate what we don't need, innovate towards new packaging, products and business models, and circulate all the packaging we do use. To circulate packaging, we need dedicated, ongoing, and sufficient funding for collection, sorting, and recycling – otherwise the economics simply do not stack up – it costs more to do, than the money it makes.
The only proven way to provide the necessary funding is through schemes where the companies putting packaging on the market are required to pay for its collection, sorting, and recycling — such schemes are called extended producer responsibility (EPR).
EPR can be more than a financing tool for recycling. It’s an opportunity to improve transparency, incentivise better packaging design and reduce carbon emissions.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We develop and promote the idea of a circular economy, and work with business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.
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