Latest news with #aGlobalPlasticsTreaty
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Campaigners Welcome ‘Wake-Up Call' For Global Plastics Treaty
Campaigners have welcomed a joint declaration from more than 90 governments around the world for an 'effective and ambitious' global plastic pollution 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.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unilever pledges to make all plastic packaging recyclable by 2035
Unilever has announced its commitment to ensure all its plastic packaging becomes reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030 for rigid plastic and by 2035 for flexible plastic. As part of this initiative, the company has been testing refill pilot projects around the world, aiming to reduce the use of virgin plastic and address the issue of plastic sachet waste. Since 2018, the company has initiated more than 50 refill and reuse pilot projects. The business stated that the knowledge gained from these initiatives is shaping its strategies to cut down on single-use plastic packaging. In Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, Unilever's teams have adapted refill solutions to suit local market conditions. In Indonesia, a refill model was tested, with motorcycle drivers selling products door-to-door from large jerry cans. Although the high operational costs made scaling this model 'challenging', the simple pouring system proved effective. In Bangladesh, self-service refill machines were trialled in 2021. However, maintenance of these machines proved difficult. Working with Bopinc, a TRANSFORM-funded organisation, a more scalable, user-friendly, cost-effective machine was developed for Bangladesh that fitted on store counters. According to Unilever, scaling reusable packaging models requires a collaborative effort across the supply chain, including manufacturers, retailers, waste management bodies, and governments. Unilever said that it is advocating for supportive regulations and working with entities such as the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, the World Economic Forum, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to establish common reuse definitions and metrics. Last month, Unilever Bangladesh advanced sustainability in the country with the URefill initiative, incorporating a machine that reduces plastic waste. "Unilever pledges to make all plastic packaging recyclable by 2035" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
