Challenges in Reducing Plastic Waste: Insights from UN Treaty Negotiations

Plastics and chemical producers need to find more effective ways to tackle the problem of plastic waste after UN treaty negotiations ended without agreement at the weekend. 

-          Consumer demand will drive improvements in plastic waste management

-          Chemical companies need to reconnect with brands/consumers

-          We will move out of the current ‘trough of despair’ about recycling 

-          End of globalization may mean national/regional treaties are more effective

-          UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee concluded in Busan, South Korea, on 1 December, with no definitive agreement

-          Around 100 countries backed proposals, with a small number of hold-outs