Talks on global plastic pollution treaty begin

Talks on forming a legally-binding, global plastic pollution treaty have begun between scientists, businesses, environmental groups and the Environment Secretary.

There are aims of ending plastic pollution by 2040, as the issue is one of the key environmental challenges the world currently faces – a threefold increase in the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean is expected between 2016 and 2040.

The government has said new Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey will lead a series of meetings to get a range of views and strengthen the UK’s position in treaty negotiations.

These are being held partnership with the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network, an organisation with industry, scientists and activists involved.

At the first meeting held yesterday, stakeholders including Tesco, Sainsburys, Coca Cola, Nestle, H&M and Greenpeace were invited to share their views on how UK businesses can help to reduce plastic pollution.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: ‘Plastic pollution has a direct and deadly effect on our wildlife, polluting our ocean and damaging our planet.

‘Our laws are already helping to cut waste domestically, and international action is needed to end plastic pollution by 2040.

‘[Yesterday’s] meeting was important in bringing together government, business and environmental organisations on this issue – it’s vital for us all to work together if we are to make progress in tackling plastic pollution globally.’

The international treaty will set obligations on countries to reduce pollution from plastic production and consumption to waste management.

The United Nations Environment Programme is organising the first formal negotiations which will take place November 28 to December 2 in Uruguay.

Research from waste management company Biffa recently found nearly one fifth of waste in England and Wales can’t be recycled due to contamination.

Photo by Brian Yurasits