GLOBAL – In a united front against plastic pollution, more than 250 CEOs from international businesses and NGOs have joined forces, urging governments to enact a global treaty with enforceable commitments to eliminate plastic waste.
Spearheaded by the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, this coalition aims to capitalize on the upcoming INC-5 conference in November, positioning it as a pivotal moment for international cooperation.
The coalition argues that a successful treaty must go beyond voluntary initiatives, setting binding global standards to guide national policies and support businesses in implementing sustainable practices.
CEOs backing the treaty stress that consistent regulations across borders can streamline national laws, helping businesses enhance packaging, circularity, and environmental safeguards.
Such alignment, they argue, would reduce waste management costs in the long term while also creating jobs across the plastic value chain.
The coalition warns that without a standardized approach, regulatory fragmentation will only increase operational complexity and expenses for businesses worldwide.
The coalition is advocating for the INC-5 negotiations to prioritize key areas that will shape the foundation of an effective treaty.
One of the primary objectives is the establishment of global standards for plastics. This would involve setting criteria to restrict harmful chemicals commonly found in plastics and phasing out products that pose significant environmental risks.
By enforcing consistent standards worldwide, countries can work towards minimizing the negative impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health.
Another critical focus is creating a circular economy within the packaging sector. The coalition is calling for sector-specific strategies aimed at designing products that can be reused or recycled rather than disposed of after a single use.
This shift would encourage companies to reimagine their packaging designs to support a system where plastic materials are continuously repurposed, reducing the overall demand for virgin plastic production.
The coalition also emphasizes the need for unified definitions to effectively implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
EPR would make producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, ensuring that they contribute to the recovery and recycling of plastic waste.
A consistent approach to EPR across countries would help align producer responsibilities, reduce waste management costs, and promote recycling initiatives.
Finally, the coalition urges the establishment of adaptive governance to oversee and evolve the treaty as new challenges arise.
A dedicated governing body could respond to emerging scientific findings, regulatory needs, and innovations in plastic management, ensuring the treaty remains relevant and impactful over time.
This adaptive framework would provide a mechanism for continuous improvement, helping countries stay aligned on global plastic reduction goals.
CEOs embrace a circular future for plastics
The business leaders advocate for a circular economy that continuously recycles plastics instead of treating them as waste, emphasizing that voluntary actions alone are insufficient to address the current crisis.
While individual companies have introduced sustainable initiatives, the coalition underscores that a comprehensive global framework is essential for real progress.
As INC-5 approaches, the coalition’s commitment to collaboration with policymakers highlights the issue’s urgency.
These CEOs recognize the environmental responsibility businesses share and are determined to take concrete steps to reduce plastic waste through stronger international agreements.
Through a binding, legally enforceable treaty, the coalition hopes to foster collective action to curb plastic pollution, protect ecosystems, and establish sustainable practices across industries, setting a global standard for environmental stewardship.
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