Global NGOs join forces to accelerate campaign to end plastic pollution
Author: Amber Rolt
Global efforts to end plastic pollution took a step forward this week with the formation of a new knowledge exchange network from some of the world's leading NGOs, which is designed to ramp up calls for a new treaty to tackle plastic waste. The World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Plastics Initiative, and waste charity WRAP said they would work together in support of their common vision to deliver a circular economy for plastics. The move is designed to support international negotiations to deliver a new Plastics Treaty, which stad last November and aim to result in a new accord to crack down on plastic waste mid 2025. Key stakeholders across sectors will be brought together to implement solutions towards a circular economy for plastics which will be tailored to different geographies. The organisations said that each initiative will convene businesses, government institutions and civil society, NGOs and citizens to build a shared vision to end plastics pollution. The organisations added that the network would also look to promote solutions, including eliminating unnecessary and problematic plastic packaging, moving from single-use to reuse plastics and ensuring that all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable. The announcement follows news last weekend that the UK government plans to ban a raft of single use plastic products from this autumn, including plastic plates, trays, bowls, and cutlery.