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.
Distinguished Chair and Members of the INC, We represent a group of independent scientists mobilized by the International Science Council, the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, delegates from the Global Council for Science and the Environment, lead authors of the report of the Minderoo Monaco Commission on Plastic and Human Health, Endocrine Society,[…]
Response to the Zero Draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (UNEP/PP/INC.3/4) The Scientists’ Coalition present our reflections and contributions to the Zero Draft text. Download the full response (english) We highlight the following five key requirements: Time-bound, legally-binding primary plastic polymer reduction targets for each[…]
There are no internationally agreed definitions of plastics alternatives nor plastics substitutes. Sound definitions will support fully informed treaty negotiations, and this fact sheet introduces key distinctions and considerations. Download PDF
This fact sheet is intended to support fully informed global plastics treaty negotiations by clarifying the terminology used to describe plastics as “polymers” or “materials” and not plastics as “products”. In other words, this fact sheet explains plastics as the material that is produced and later manufactured into, for example, drink bottles, or takeaway containers.[…]
Plastic Removal Technologies (PRTs) promise to improve environmental quality by removing plastics from the environment, but they can also threaten biodiversity. Almost no environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are done on PRTs. Unselective PRTs can alter habitats and catch plants and animals. Manual collection selectively removes plastic, but it is limited in efficiency and effectiveness. Municipalities[…]