This policy brief provides inputs on the transition to a circular economy which minimizes resource consumption and plastic pollution by moving away from the current linear economic model. It argues that the transition to a sustainable circular economy should focus on reducing production and consumption, and only secondly increase recycling rates thereby giving sufficient attention to chemicals in plastics. The policy brief concludes with three principles for a safe circular economy for plastics.

1. Support the minimisation, safety and sustainability of plastic production
2. Ensure safety and sustainability of plastic products across their lifecycle
3. Design rights-based, safe, and sustainable systems

The document is an output of the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty (SCEPT working group on circular economy) and aims at policymakers involved in the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC). A French and Spanish version of the brief are available.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7974916

Download PDFs:

• English version
• French version
• Spanish version