The Global Plastic Treaty to End Plastic Pollution
In 2022, the United Nations called for urgent action to combat plastic pollution on a global scale, setting a target to end plastic pollution by 2040. This goal is anchored in a circular economy, where all plastics are responsibly managed from production to disposal, ensuring a climate-neutral plastics industry.
Since then, over 170 countries have been negotiating the first-ever global treaty on plastic pollution. The final round of negotiations is scheduled for November 25 to December 1, 2024, in Busan, South Korea. This session is expected to finalise the treaty and address unresolved issues. The goal is to establish a legally binding agreement that tackles plastic pollution comprehensively. Currently, only 10% of plastic waste is recycled, with the remaining 90% either ending up in landfills or polluting the environment.
Ambitious Plastic Pollution Rules Among Nations
The United States recently shifted its stance, now supporting a global reduction in plastic production. Previously, the US favoured a country-specific approach, allowing each nation to set its own targets; the change in position gives considerable support to progress the global pact. In addition, the US now supports the creation of a global list of harmful chemicals in plastics, aligning with countries such as the EU member states, South Korea, Canada, Rwanda, and Peru, which are pushing for more ambitious global actions.
In another major step, Nordic Ministers have signed a treaty advocating for a global ban on intentionally added microplastics and calling for product design standards that minimise microplastic use. Consumer sentiment also aligns with these efforts. A WWF survey revealed that 85% of consumers support banning 'unnecessary, avoidable, and harmful' single-use plastics, and 90% favour a ban on hazardous chemicals used in plastic production.
The Human Health Costs of Plastic
The Minderoo Foundation has conducted a study revealing serious health risks linked to the chemicals found in everyday plastics. The research, which reviewed data from over 900 meta-analyses covering 1.5 million individuals, found connections between these chemicals and a range of health issues, including reproductive harm, developmental delays in children, and chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer.
The study concluded that none of the chemicals examined could be considered safe. This reinforces the call for stricter regulation of plastic production and the use of harmful chemicals, supporting the goals of the Global Plastics Treaty. The report also advocates for reducing virgin plastic production and imposing a global ban on dangerous chemicals in plastics to protect public health.
A Fee on Plastic Pollution
A key challenge in negotiating the Global Plastic Treaty is the financial gap, particularly for developing nations. By 2040, the funding shortfall to effectively combat plastic pollution is estimated to be between $350 billion and $500 billion. One potential solution is a plastic pollution fee ranging from $60 to $90 per tonne of primary plastic polymers.
Implementing such a fee could be transformative for the treaty’s success. It would fill the financial gap, drastically reduce mismanaged plastic waste, and minimise the environmental and health impacts. Without this fee, mismanaged waste could increase fivefold by 2040, from 10 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes.
A Truly Sustainable Future with Solinatra
The Global Plastic Treaty represents a pivotal opportunity to address one of the most significant environmental crises of our time. By reducing plastic production, promoting a circular economy, and safeguarding human and environmental health, the treaty sets the foundation for a sustainable, plastic-free future.
Solinatra is aligned with these objectives. Derived from renewable plant-based ingredients, Solinatra does not rely on fossil fuels like conventional plastics, reducing its environmental footprint. Products made from Solinatra degrade naturally without leaving toxic residues or microplastics, directly addressing one of the treaty's key goals—reducing persistent plastic waste.
Moreover, Solinatra is compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure, allowing companies to adopt this sustainable alternative without needing to invest in new machinery. This supports the treaty’s call for scalable solutions that industries can implement globally and cost-effectively.
Solinatra makes it easy for businesses and countries to meet the Global Plastic Treaty’s ambitious targets and contributes to a truly sustainable future.