The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) Plastics Treaty initiated in March 2022, seeks to create a legally binding framework that will guide countries and industries toward reducing plastic waste, improving waste management and encouraging sustainable practices across the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal. The treaty’s vision to promote a circular plastics industry resonates with Safripol’s mission to drive innovation in sustainable plastic production.
Safripol supports the UNEA Plastics Treaty process and plays an active role through its partnership with Plastics SA and CAIA, as well as collaboration with government. We are actively involved in both national and international forums, including intersessional workgroups, global plastic interest groups/PROs such as the Plastics Leadership Group (Europe) and the American Chemical Council. Furthermore, Safripol provided support for the industries’ delegation to the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC-4) in April 2024 and remains actively engaged for preparations for INC-5.
The key areas of Safripol’s support includes:
i) assessing, identifying and developing criteria for polymers of concern;
ii) supporting hazardous chemicals working groups;
iii) advocating for industry standards in local polymer production and addressing compliance for imports; and
iv) collaborating with government and other stakeholders to inform discussions on plastic pollution and recycling.
FAQs
Q1: What is the goal and scope of the UNEA Plastics Treaty?
A1: The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) Plastics Treaty, initiated in March 2022, seeks to create a legally binding framework to guide countries and industries toward reducing plastic waste and encouraging sustainable practices across the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal.
Q2: How does the treaty’s vision align with Safripol’s mission?
A2: The treaty’s vision to promote a circular plastics industry resonates with Safripol’s mission to drive innovation in sustainable plastic production.
Q3: Which organisations and forums does Safripol partner with to support the treaty?
A3: Safripol plays an active role through its partnership with Plastics SA and CAIA, as well as collaboration with government. Safripol is involved in national and international forums, including the Plastics Leadership Group (Europe) and the American Chemical Council.
Q4: What key negotiation sessions has Safripol supported?
A4: Safripol provided support for the industries’ delegation to the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC-4) in April 2024 and remains actively engaged for preparations for INC-5.
Q5: What are the four key areas of Safripol’s support for the treaty?
A5: The four key areas of support are: i) assessing and developing criteria for polymers of concern; ii) supporting hazardous chemicals working groups; iii) advocating for industry standards in local polymer production; and iv) collaborating with government and other stakeholders to inform discussions on plastic pollution and recycling.
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