Pacific Island countries, like others around the world, are evaluating their plastics use. The global bioplastics market (bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics) is projected to increase in the next decade, with their use in a range of sectors including agriculture/horticulture, aquaculture, fisheries, and food and non-food packaging. While in restricted and specific applications they may bring some advantages over conventional durable fossil-based plastics, caution is required to ensure these materials do not become regrettable substitutions, presenting hazards to organisms and human health, or contributing to social, economic and environmental burdens.
This fact sheet explains the sometimes inconsistent use of the various terms: bioplastics, biobased plastics and plastics with biodegradable properties – and why it is crucial that the Global Plastics Treaty address this topic.
It is estimated 12.7 million metric tons (MT) of plastics enter the environment as microplastics every year, the main sources being paint, tyres, pellets, textiles and personal care products. There are substantial additional quantities from the fragmentation of larger items of plastic that have already entered the environment as debris. The following document is part[…]
It is estimated 12.7 million metric tons (MT) of plastics enter the environment as microplastics every year, the main sources being paint, tyres, pellets, textiles and personal care products. There are substantial additional quantities from the fragmentation of larger items of plastic that have already entered the environment as debris. The following document is part[…]
It is estimated 12.7 million metric tons (MT) of plastics enter the environment as microplastics every year, the main sources being paint, tyres, pellets, textiles and personal care products. There are substantial additional quantities from the fragmentation of larger items of plastic that have already entered the environment as debris. The following document is part[…]
It is estimated 12.7 million metric tons (MT) of plastics enter the environment as microplastics every year, the main sources being paint, tyres, pellets, textiles and personal care products. There are substantial additional quantities from the fragmentation of larger items of plastic that have already entered the environment as debris. The following document is part[…]
Document highlighting what the independent science shows is needed to achieve an effective plastics treaty. Science-based priorities for negotiators at INC-5.2 (EN) Prioridades basadas en la ciencia para los negociadores en INC-5.2 (ES) Priorités basées sur la science pour les négociateurs à la CIN-5.2 (FR)