Eco-Cycle’s Post

"With the right enabling factors, we estimate that global recycling rates could, in a well-designed treaty, more than double by 2040 to more than 60 million tons annually." https://lnkd.in/gZ2SsN_Z

The Plastics Industry and the Promise of Recycling: A Response to Environmental and Legal Challenges In the 1980s, the plastics industry faced mounting environmental backlash and legal threats as the detrimental impact of plastic waste on ecosystems became increasingly evident. In response, the industry is argued to have initiated a campaign aimed at promoting the promise of plastic recycling. Central to this strategy was the introduction of familiar recycling symbols featuring numbers within them. While these symbols became ubiquitous, they often conveyed an overpromising message about the recyclability of various plastics, leading to widespread misconceptions. This approach, as highlighted by the Center for Climate Integrity (2024), shaped public perception of plastic waste management, even as recycling systems struggled to effectively process the vast array of plastic materials.

A substantial disparity exists between recycling targets and the actual quantities of each type of plastic being recycled. As a plastic-producing company, we are committed to bridging this gap by expanding the share of recycled plastics in our product portfolio. Our mission is clear: by the end of 2025, we aim to produce more recycled plastics than virgin materials, setting a new standard for sustainability in our industry.

Did you know that according to a recent study nearly 60% of people undergoing surgery had microplastics or nanoplastics present in a main artery? From the depths of our oceans to our dinner plates, plastic pollution is an urgent crisis threatening both human health and our planet's ecosystems. The upcoming United Nations INC-4 conference presents a pivotal opportunity for world leaders to step up and combat this crisis through a strong, enforceable Global Plastics Treaty. This isn't about recycling more; it's about producing less plastic, holding corporate polluters accountable, and transitioning towards sustainable, alternative materials. Together, we can forge a path towards a plastic-free future, but it requires collective action, innovative solutions, and a commitment to a more just and sustainable world. Read the full article and join the movement for a plastic-free planet below. #PlasticFreeFuture, #GlobalPlasticsTreaty, #SustainableLiving, #INC4 #EnvironmentalJustice, #cleanwater, #water, #wateraction, #environment, #SDG6

Watch the recording of our livestream 'Way forward for plastics recycling Asia: Perspectives ahead of PRS Asia' Sustainable Plastics Plastics Recycling Show Asia

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ERG Environmental: Report Highlights Chemical Recycling's Limitations on Plastic Waste Entering the dialogue surrounding chemical recycling, in response to recent concerns raised by advocacy groups Beyond Plastics and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), offers a nuanced perspective on the efficacy and sustainability of chemical recycling as a solution to the plastic waste crisis.  The report from these groups highlights several criticisms of chemical recycling, suggesting that it generates significant amounts of toxic waste, contributes to climate change, and falls short of providing a viable solution to the plastic waste problem. However, acknowledges these challenges while emphasizing the importance of considering the full spectrum of data and perspectives. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ebVZGHn5

The fifth and final round of negotiations of a Global Plastics Treaty has been kicked off. Government representatives of almost 200 countries are gathered in Busan, South Korea to deliver a legally binding instrument that will regulate the full life cycle of plastics, aiming to end plastic pollution by 2040. The role of NGOs, accredited observers of the negotiations, is to represent the civil society interests and push for an ambitious text, one that responds to the size of the issue. On a business as usual scenario, plastic production is expected to triple by 2060, our environment, our oceans, wildlife and our own health must be protected by those in power, and a mandate on production reduction is what's needed to close the tap. We will not recycle our way out of this planetary crisis.

Join us next week for a webinar where we will share the insights from the Circular Industry Solutions for a Global Plastics Treaty report, see the registration link in the post below ⬇️

We’re disappointed to learn that no agreement has been reached on a legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution. While big countries (and corporations) continue to push back on sensible action on plastic pollution, our environment is suffering. Negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty have been underway since 2022. In that time, single-use plastics continue to pour into our land, waterways, and oceans. We urgently need a long-term solution to this global problem. A “weak treaty is worse than no treaty”. We're hopeful, at least, that this delay leaves room for a high-ambition agreement to focus on steeply reducing plastic production rather than continuing to push recycling, which we know is not the answer. Read the full story by the Guardian at the link 👇 https://lnkd.in/gC2VkvK3