Episode 1282: Think Tank: Plastics industry must find way forward after collapse of UN treaty talks
Dec 3, 2024
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Nigel Davis, a member of the ICIS market development team, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, dive into the pressing issues facing the plastics industry following failed UN treaty negotiations. They discuss the critical need for effective plastic waste management and how consumer demand will shape future practices. With a shift towards localized solutions and better recycling technologies, the duo emphasizes reconnecting chemical companies with brands and consumers to move beyond the current recycling crisis.
The recent failed UN treaty negotiations underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions in plastic waste management driven by consumer demand.
Chemical companies must enhance their connection with brands and consumers to shift towards more sustainable practices amidst changing regulations on plastics.
Deep dives
Negotiation Failures Affecting Plastic Waste Control
Recent negotiations aimed at establishing a global treaty to reduce plastic waste ended without consensus, primarily due to opposition from oil-producing nations concerned about limits on plastic production. While there is widespread acknowledgment of the severe implications of plastic pollution, varying opinions on how to address the issue have stalled meaningful action. Experts emphasize that significant progress is necessary, and stakeholders must engage in robust dialogue to effectively combat plastic waste. The complexities of the negotiation process reveal strong differences in opinion among over 100 participating countries, hindering a unified approach to reducing virgin plastic production and subsequent ocean pollution.
The Importance and Challenges of Recycling
Recycling is often presented as a viable solution to plastic waste, yet current recycling rates remain low and insufficient to match the growing production of plastics. Experts indicate that while recycling initiatives are necessary, they must also be complemented by a thoughtful approach to the use and production of virgin plastics. The role of chemical recycling is being explored as a solution alongside mechanical recycling, though its feasibility and acceptance among governments remain points of contention. Achieving higher recycling rates will require not only technological advancements but also a fundamental shift in public understanding and acceptance of recycled materials.
Local Actions Drive Changes in Plastic Consumption
Local governments are increasingly taking action against single-use plastics, as seen in Europe's recent legislation limiting plastic packaging to align with public sentiment. The shift in consumer behavior, driven by environmental awareness, has led to significant reductions in the use of single-use plastic bags in certain regions. Companies are now recognizing the importance of understanding consumer preferences to adapt production and develop sustainable alternatives. This local focus creates an opportunity for businesses to innovate in response to changing demands, shifting from a supply-driven to a demand-driven market.
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
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