Statement on U.S. Shifting to Support Plastic Production Reduction Ahead of Final Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations

Background: Last week, the United States signaled a shift in its position on the United Nations’ Global Plastic Treaty, adding significant weight to the growing international demand from frontline and fenceline advocates to reduce plastic production. The decision comes ahead of the final round of negotiations in Busan in November, where one of the largest plastic producing countries in the world will now support reducing plastic production, generating a global list of chemicals of concern, and setting global criteria to identify “avoidable plastic products” to phase out. Previously, the United States did not support any provisions focused on reducing plastic production and instead wanted to address the issue through plastic waste provisions, such as increased investment in recycling.  

Statement from anaïs peterson, petrochemicals campaigner at Earthworks:

“This is a welcomed and necessary shift from the United States. As communities across the U.S. and the world know, the only way to tackle the plastic crisis is to turn off the tap on production. We look forward to the United States’ continued dedication to tackling the plastic pollution problem at its source and ensuring these words become action in Busan.” 

For More Information:

• Compromise at Global Plastics Negotiations Results in Failure to Sufficiently Advance Treaty
• Hundreds Mobilize to Demand Global Action on Plastics Before Treaty Negotiations
• The Cradle-to-Grave Impacts of Plastic on Human Health and the Environment Must be Considered in the Plastic Treaty Negotiations  
• Hidden Cost of Plastic: Toxic and Radioactive Oil and Gas Waste