The Business Case for a UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution

The surge of plastic pollution in ecosystems poses significant risks to businesses, elevating both reputational and regulatory concerns. Public consciousness about this environmental threat is heightening, prompting consumers to expect proactive measures from firms engaged in the plastic value chain. Employees seek purposeful companies, while investors insist on responsible plastic footprint management. Recognizing the imminent implementation of more stringent regulations, companies must prepare for a shift in their operational strategies. A more aggressive approach is warranted to confront this urgent, large-scale challenge. A proposed UN treaty on plastic pollution could spearhead a global effort to address this issue comprehensively, propelling the world toward a circular economy for plastics. The treaty would provide an international framework for unified actions and policies by governments and corporations, aiming to halt plastic leakage into oceans by a specific date, including harmonized standards, clear targets, common reporting metrics, and coordinated investment strategies.