Businesses ramp up calls for legally binding Global Plastics Treaty

The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty has published an open letter calling for the adoption of a Global Plastics Treaty with harmonised regulations to end plastic pollution. 

The letter says that voluntary efforts are not enough, and warns that the current fragmented regulatory landscape is leading to increased costs and complexity. It comes just weeks after a group of 95 countries reiterated their support for a target to reduce plastic production as part of the Global Plastics Treaty, by signing a ‘Nice wake-up call’ at the UN Ocean Conference.

The Coalition – which boasts the backing of 290+ businesses, NGOs and financial institutions, doesn’t go as far as calling for plastic production caps but promotes “the phase out of problematic and avoidable plastic products”.

It says a robust treaty with strong common obligations is the most effective way to pursue a lasting impact on plastic pollution while delivering economic, environmental and social value. 

Harmonised rules reduce fragmentation, boost business certainty, and drive consistency across borders while supporting national ambitions, the letter says, while providing the lowest cost option to effectively address plastic pollution. 

“As business leaders, we are working to transform our business models to catalyse a circular economy in which plastic never becomes waste or pollution, and the value of products and materials is retained in the economy. There is already significant alignment on these topics through voluntary industry initiatives, and we remain committed to efforts to advance a circular economy for plastics,” the letter says. 

Last chance to influence INC5.2 negotiations

The timing of the letter is far from coincidental, as Heads of Delegations meet this weekend ahead of the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, or INC5.2, in August. Signatories to the letter call on them to support a treaty that includes provisions for harmonised regulations on key elements, including phase-outs, product design and extended producer responsibility (EPR). 

“Enabled by a fair financing mechanism, such measures would help support sustainable levels of production and consumption of plastics globally, ensure a level playing field for businesses, and support all countries to deliver on their national ambitions,” the letter says.

The letter cites research commissioned by the Coalition that suggests that a robust treaty with strong common obligations is the most effective way to address the plastic pollution crisis while also delivering economic, environmental and social value.

Harmonised obligations vs voluntary action

The study found that a treaty with globally harmonised obligations and criteria to phase out the most problematic plastic products could help eliminate more than twice as many problematic and avoidable plastic products compared to a treaty based on voluntary national measures.

Meanwhile, a treaty that defines common criteria for product design could significantly increase the recyclability and reusability of products across the world. This consistency would help drive investment for the necessary infrastructure, reduce the compliance burden for businesses, and scale circular economy solutions. 

These improvements are also expected to deliver measurable social value through protecting and creating stable jobs across the plastics value chain, particularly in the waste management sector, which would benefit from improved working conditions and fair remuneration. 

Meanwhile, cleaner waste streams, expanded waste collection and reduced plastic pollution can help support better public services and healthier communities, with knock-on benefits to other industries, like tourism and fishing, the study finds. 

'Inconsistent regulations slow down progress on tackling plastic pollution'

At the same time, regulatory harmonisation across markets will provide much-needed certainty for businesses and investors, improving long-term decision-making and lowering the cost of capital. This will catalyse investment and innovation towards long-term value creation, the letter says.

Signatory Gustavo Bruno, Mars General Manager, Brazil, said: “A global treaty with harmonised regulations represents a critical step toward effectively addressing plastic pollution. Establishing clear rules on product design would foster innovation and ensure a level playing field. In Brazil, adopting harmonised regulation could significantly increase recycling rates, generate a positive social impact, and enhance the competitiveness of local and global companies across all markets.” 

Edoardo Briola, Head of Unilever Japan, added: “As a business, we see firsthand how inconsistent regulations slow down progress on tackling plastic pollution. Harmonised regulations with clear provisions on product design, phase-outs, and extended producer responsibility would not only drive innovation but create a level playing field for businesses.”