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Experts call for science-driven holistic approach in global plastic treaty talks

A holistic approach backed by science is vital to a successful UN Global Plastics Treaty, explained Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth in an published in Science on 10 January 2025.

Professor Fletcher, who is also the NERC Agenda Setting Fellow for Plastic Pollution, attended the latest round of plastic treaty negotiations in December, which ended without a resolution. He believes that independent evidence is the key to bringing about a final agreement.

Professor Fletcher proposes the setting up of a standing science-policy panel to provide ongoing support for treaty implementation, ensuring decisions are informed by the latest evidence. Such a mechanism would allow the treaty to adapt to new findings, track implementation progress, and evaluate its effectiveness over time.

Professor Fletcher explains, "A science policy panel dedicated to providing the latest evidence would be a game-changer. It would enable the treaty to remain dynamic and evidence-based, adapting as our understanding of the effects of, and solutions to, plastic pollution evolves.

"The evidence is clear: solving the plastic crisis requires more than just managing waste. We need to rethink how plastics are produced, used, and reused, and science is our best tool for guiding this transformation."

The article identifies critical questions for negotiators that demand robust scientific input:

• Defining Sustainable Plastic Production: Establishing limits on plastic production that align with environmental and social goals.
• Regulating Chemicals in Plastics: With over used in plastics, many lacking robust hazard data, science must identify substances of concern and recommend safe alternatives.
• Designing a Circular Plastics Economy: Promoting reuse, refill systems, and efficient resource use to retain materials in the economy and minimize waste.

Co-author of the article, Dr. Tegan Evans, from the Revolution Plastics Institute also attended the negotiations in Busan. She says, "The transition to a circular plastics economy must be equitable, especially for low and middle-income countries. Scientific input will be vital in designing sustainable finance mechanisms and capacity-building programs to support these nations in implementing treaty measures.

"Science is not just a supporting actor; it's the backbone of this treaty. With the right scientific frameworks, we can achieve a future free from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution."