Ref. Ares(2021)7903747 - 21/12/2021
PlasticsEurope Position on a Global Agreement on Plastics
PlasticsEurope is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers. We represent close to 100
member companies producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe. At international level, we work
with the International Council of Chemical Associations – Plastic Leadership Group (ICCA – PLG).
Vision PlasticsEurope prioritises efforts aimed at preventing leakage of plastic into the environment and that
enable universal access to waste collection. We must ensure plastic products are valued for their
contribution to achieving the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are sustainably produced,
used, and recovered in a circular economy.
PlasticsEurope supports the development of an international agreement addressing the challenge of
plastic waste and marine plastic debris through sustainable consumption and production, design and
technology innovation, and infrastructure investment. This requires collaboration between governments,
the private sector, civil society, and academia to identify and replicate solutions at scale.
Plastics are Essential to Achieving Sustainability and Climate Goals Plastics are essential to achieving the SDGs and meeting national commitments under the Paris
Agreement. Plastics are vital to addressing society’s largest challenges, including improving medical
outcomes, access to fresh and healthy foods, hygiene and sanitation, modern communication,
transportation systems, infrastructure, and employment. For example, through lightweighting cars and
insulating buildings, plastics reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. These benefits are
jeopardised if plastic waste pollutes our environment.
Plastic Industry Support for a Global Agreement PlasticsEurope supports establishing a targeted goal to ensure access to proper waste management and
eliminate leakage of plastic into the ocean. We believe this goal provides a clear objective for countries,
industry, and stakeholders. Aligning with governments that share this goal is a priority. Reviewing current
proposals, we agree with many of the recommendations included in the World Wildlife Fund, Ellen
MacArthur Foundation, Boston Consulting Group
Business Case for a UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution. We
are concerned with th
e Nordic Council’s focus on international sustainability criteria, which could lead to
restrictions on the production of these sustainable materials.
We support a resolution at the 5th meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly (February 2022)
beginning negotiation of a global agreement on plastics with the following key parameters.
Our Vision for a Global Framework:
•
Governments Commit to Eliminate Leakage: Adopt the G20’s 2050 Osaka Blue Ocean Vision
•
Establish National Action Plans: Allow countries flexibility to develop regionally appropriate plans to
eliminate plastic waste leakage based on local circumstances and supported by enabling policies
•
Harmonised Definitions & Reporting: Develop, with industry input, globally harmonised definitions
and reporting metrics on plastics and plastic waste, using validated and harmonised methodologies
•
Guidance to Improve Product Design: Develop global guidance, with industry input, on product
design, recycled content, and resources efficiency optimisation
•
Waste Management Capacity Building: Ensure access and improve waste management capacity
•
Technology Deployment: Support chemical recycling technology, complementing mechanical
recycling, to increase circularity of plastics
•
Achieve Climate Goals: Support life cycle analysis to evaluate impacts of plastics and alternatives
Countries Need Domestic Flexibility to Achieve Global Goals:
PlasticsEurope AISBL
Rue Belliard 40 • box 16 • 1040 Brussels • Belgium
Phone +32 (0)2 792 30 99 • Fax +32 (0)2 792 30 09
VAT BE 0416 155 338 • www.plasticseurope.org
•
Global Plastics Regulations: Efforts to regulate plastics globally through the development of
regulatory standards, product-specific obligations, or creation of international sustainability criteria
undermine our vision of eliminating plastic waste. Flexibility is important for countries to adapt their
regulatory framework and prevent adverse environmental, health, and socioeconomic impacts
•
Production Limits: Globally mandated controls should not be imposed on production and
consumption of plastics or plastic products. Impacts of proposed measures must be assessed to
reduce regrettable substitutions.
As member states move forward with the development of a new global agreement, engaging business,
industry associations, and other stakeholders to identify and then implement regionally appropriate
measures is critical to achieving the goal of eliminating leakage of plastic into the environment.