Campaigners Welcome ‘Wake-Up Call' For Global Plastics Treaty
The declaration, entitled 'the Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty' was issued at the UN Ocean Conference in France yesterday (9 June) and warns an effective plastics treaty is urgently needed.
Negotiations around a global treaty to curb plastic pollution have been going on for several years and are due to resume again later this summer, in Geneva.
The new declaration calls for a legally binding obligation to phase out the most problematic plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products and another to improve the design of plastic products.
'We call for an effective and ambitious treaty that can evolve over time and is responsive to changes in emerging evidence and knowledge,' the declaration states.
'To this end, the treaty should provide for the possibility of decision-making, through regular UN procedures if all efforts to reach consensus have been exhausted.'
It also warns a treaty which relies on voluntary measures or does not address the full lifecycle of plastics will not be effective to deal with the challenge of plastic pollution.
Erin Simon, vice president, plastic waste & business at the World Wildlife Fund said the statement sends a positive signal that there is strong support to secure a legally binding treaty, in a statement.
Simon added with just two months before the next round of negotiations get underway, it is essential countries come to the negotiation table ready to get to work on a treaty that both people and planet deserve.
'Millions of people around the world have called for a solution to the plastic pollution crisis and while today is a step in the right direction we must continue to push toward advancing a meaningful and enduring agreement in Geneva,' said Simon.
Rob Opsomer, executive lead for plastics and finance at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said the statement demonstrates significant ambition in global efforts to end plastic pollution, and reinstates the urgent need to shift to a circular economy, in a statement.
Opsomer added the inclusion of 'product design', amongst the points key to reach an agreement, is especially impactful.
'Design is indeed critical to addressing plastic pollution, and it's encouraging to see it rightly recognised by a majority of countries as a key lever for achieving meaningful and lasting impact to end plastic pollution,' he added.
'We call on governments to agree on a treaty in Geneva that turns the tide on plastic pollution, enables a circular economy and delivers strong positive social and economic impact.'
The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty also welcomed the widespread support for a strong treaty in a statement.
It added it builds on momentum seen at previous conferences and reflects strong alignment between countries, businesses and civil society on the need for a comprehensive legally binding global agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics.
'Besides harmonisation on key areas, there is also a need for a globally harmonised approach for national extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, with key principles and minimum requirements,' the statement said.
And Jodie Roussell, global public affairs lead - packaging and sustainability at Nestlé and co-chair of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, said the declaration also sends a strong signal that governments are ready to commit to harmonised regulation.
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