The EUROPEAN UNION calls for a comprehensive lifecycle approach to plastics with bans on certain products and enhanced product design in order to combat plastic pollution across marine and terrestrial environments.
This new regulation aims to establish legally binding requirements governing all stages of the plastics lifecycle – from polymer production to waste disposal.
The Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič said: “Plastics are important in our economy and daily lives, but the serious negative effects on the environment and human health caused by plastic pollution must come to an end. The new global treaty must transform the way plastic products are designed, produced, used, and recycled. I call on all to join forces in the fight against pollution, which will also address the climate and biodiversity crises the world is currently facing.”
Despite an astounding 400 million tonnes of plastic produced globally each year, a mere 12% undergoes incineration while only 9% gets recycled. The vast majority ends up in landfills or released directly into the environment, including the world’s oceans, posing a significant ecological threat.
The EU is actively involved in the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, which includes 65 countries committed to aim high in the negotiations to end plastic pollution by 2040.
More than 4,000 participants from governments, NGOs, industry, and civil society are expected in Ottawa, Canada from 21-29 April to find a way to conclude negotiations of a new legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution by the end of 2024.
