Plastics : US Shift on Global Plastic Treaty

The United States has made a significant policy reversal by announcing it will support a global treaty that calls for reducing plastic production.

US previous position:

• Was aligned with China and Saudi Arabia in opposing production limits
• Focused only on recycling and reuse as solutions
• Avoided placing responsibility on plastic producers

This change is critically important because:

• The US is one of the world's largest plastic producers and consumers
• Americans generate about 130kg of plastic waste per person annually (the highest globally)
• US support gives the treaty much greater likelihood of success

It comes at a crucial moment:

• Final negotiations were scheduled for November 2024 in South Korea
• This happens just two weeks after the US presidential election
• The treaty aimed to be finalized by the end of 2024

It represents a major shift in approach:

• Moving from "manage waste after creation" to "reduce creation of waste"
• Placing responsibility on producers rather than just consumers and waste handlers

The Growing Health Concerns:

• The policy shift comes amid mounting scientific evidence about plastic's health impacts:
• A recent report in the Annals of Global Health found that every plastic-associated chemical group is linked to at least one adverse health outcome
• Special concern centers on "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that never fully degrade

PFAS are synthetic chemicals added to some plastics to make them oil-resistant, water-repellent, and non-stick - commonly used in food packaging, protective coatings, and industrial plastic applications, but increasingly regulated due to environmental and health concerns.

These chemicals are linked to:

• Decreased fertility
• Developmental delays in children
• Compromised immune function
• PFAS are commonly found in everyday products from food packaging to upholstery and electronics

The Industry Response:

• The petrochemical and chemical industries strongly oppose this shift
• They argue plastics are essential for healthcare, clean water, reducing transportation energy, and preventing food waste
• ExxonMobil previously argued that production limits wouldn't reduce pollution and alternatives might have higher carbon footprints
• Industry notes that global demand for plastics is expected to nearly double by mid-century

The US position change aligns it with:

• Developing countries in Asia and Africa where much plastic waste ends up
• Major consumer companies that use significant plastic packaging
• A growing coalition seeking to place more responsibility on producers