UNCTAD calls for overhaul of plastic labelling to combat pollution

KENYA – A new study by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has urged sweeping reforms in plastic labelling practices to reduce pollution and improve recycling, particularly in developing countries where waste management systems face significant strain.

The report, released on August 19 and titled A Review of Parameters and Requirements for an Effective Consumer Label on Plastics and Plastic Alternatives, argues that harmonized, transparent, and easy-to-understand labels are critical to tackling the global plastic crisis.

UNCTAD stresses that reforming labelling will not only close the information gap between producers, policymakers, and consumers, but also support international efforts such as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution and the WTO Dialogue on Plastic Pollution.

“The analysis underscores the importance of harmonizing labelling standards globally, facilitating better consumer understanding and enhancing international trade efficiency,” the report notes.

Rethinking symbols and design

The study calls for a shift away from confusing or misleading icons, such as the widely used chasing arrows symbol, towards clear labels that indicate recyclability and end-of-life options.

UNCTAD draws lessons from nutrition and energy efficiency labelling, where visually simple formats have proven effective across regions.

Examples include the EU Energy Efficiency label, Chile and Colombia’s nutrition warnings, and South Africa’s On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL), which has helped guide consumer behaviour while supporting local recycling industries.

However, UNCTAD cautions that labels alone are not a silver bullet. Effective systems require robust regulatory frameworks, industry participation, and consumer education.

Countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and EU member states demonstrate how strong oversight can sustain effective labelling schemes.

Global treaty stalemate

The report’s release comes against the backdrop of the fifth round of INC negotiations in Geneva, which concluded without agreement on a draft text for a global treaty on plastic pollution.

The session brought together more than 2,600 participants, including 1,400 delegates from 183 countries.

While expressing disappointment at the deadlock, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen reaffirmed the global commitment to progress.

“Pollution is in our groundwater, in our soil, in our rivers, in our oceans, and yes, in our bodies,” she said.

Kenya’s leadership

Kenya remains a regional leader in combating plastic waste. The country banned thin plastic bags in 2017, followed by the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, which anchors policy in a circular economy approach.

Still, banned plastics persist in markets, underscoring the challenge of enforcement.

With treaty talks stalled, UNCTAD’s study highlights labelling reform as a practical, immediate step to empower consumers and bridge the gap between high-level negotiations and daily choices, offering a pathway toward sustainable plastic use.

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