The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has approved resolution UNEP/EA.4/L.10, which calls for a more co-operative effort to eliminate discharges of marine litter and microplastics into the ocean.
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WPC welcomes marine litter resolution
James Seward, Vice President of Joint Jentures and International Marketing at LyondellBasell of the World Plastics Council, said that the representatives of the world’s plastic producers took part in the session where there were “robust discussions” focusing on plastics-based marine litter.
“Delegates should be congratulated for achieving positive outcomes which reinforce the importance of using science-based approaches, encourage stakeholders to increase reliance on science, international co-operation, and multi-stakeholder engagement, and address the need for co-operation on innovation and environmentally sound waste management.
“Tackling plastic waste in the environment requires advances in technology, and a change in our mindset, such that the used plastic becomes a feedstock or raw material for some other useful purpose. Research continues to affirm that to effectively tackle marine litter our first priority must be to ensure the availability of effective waste management systems, particularly in emerging economies with large populations near rivers and coastlines where such systems are lacking.”
Many of WPC’s member companies have joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, launched in January. This new group is committing $1.5bn (~€1.3bn) over five years to end plastic waste, and will focus on the largest sources of ocean plastic, in countries where waste collection and management has not developed alongside their populations and economies.
“The industry is committed to assisting in implementing the resolution,” Seward concluded, “and believes these particular outcomes provide a foundation for well-informed policy debates going forward.”