The US is poised to support reducing global plastic production ahead of final negotiations on a UN Global Plastics Treaty

It was announced on Wednesday that the United States has significantly shifted its position, and is now likely going to support reducing plastic production globally as part of the Global Plastics Treaty, according to Reuters. This comes ahead of the fifth and final UN Plastics Treaty which will be held in Busan, Korea, in November. The US will potentially also support the creation of a global list of chemicals and ‘avoidable plastic products’ that should be phased out. 

This policy shift is a welcome departure from its positioning to date, which was to leave reductions up to individual countries, and instead focused on boosting recycling rates and changing package design- a position currently supported by Saudi Arabia and China. This policy shift moves the US’ position closer to some European Union member states, Canada, Rwanda, Peru, and South Korea, who are advocating for plastic production caps and to phase out plastic production altogether. 

The issue of limiting production has been the most hotly debated issue at the treaty  talks. This shift in position follows new White House policies laid out in July– the first of its kind– aiming to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics, amongst other measures. The Environmental Protection Agency also recently announced in July that it is considering designating vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical used to make PVC plastic, as a ‘high priority’ substance for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. 

“We’re inundated by plastic waste, yet more plastic is made each year, harming our planet, health and well-being,” said Kelly Leviker, Beyond Plastic Advocate with PIRG. “It is exciting to see the federal government addressing plastic pollution and taking concrete steps to reduce it. The United States is one of the largest producers and consumers of plastic in the world, so we need to be part of the solution.”