Global Plastics Treaty

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Why in News?

Global negotiations on the first-ever plastics treaty (Global Plastics Treaty) entered their final week in Geneva. India, aligned with oil-producing nations, opposes mandatory phase-out lists for plastic products, emphasizing focus on pollution reduction and financial support for developing countries.

Description:

  • Initiative under: United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), 2022.
  • Aim: Legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040.
  • Scope: Entire lifecycle of plastics – production, use, recycling, disposal.

Key Objectives:

  1. Reduce plastic production – particularly virgin (primary) polymers.
  2. Encourage recycling & reuse – promote circular economy.
  3. Regulate hazardous chemicals in plastics.
  4. Ban harmful practices – open dumping & burning of plastic waste.

Need for the Treaty:

  • Production Surge: 234 million tonnes (2000) → 460 million tonnes (2019) → projected 700 million tonnes (2040).
  • Low Recycling: Only ~10% of plastic waste is recycled.
  • Environmental Damage: Plastics take 20–500 years to decompose; marine life severely affected.
  • Human Health Risks: Microplastics in food, water, and air carry toxic chemicals.
  • Economic Impact: Billions lost annually in tourism, fisheries, and cleanup.
  • Climate Link: Plastics responsible for 3.6% of global GHG emissions (2020); could rise by 20% by 2050.

India’s Domestic Efforts:

  • Ban: 19 single-use plastic items (since 2022).
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Ensuring producers manage waste.
  • Biodegradable Plastics Certification.
  • Penalties: Enforced via updated Plastic Waste Management Rules.
  • Mandatory Jute Packaging Act, 2010: Reduces synthetic packaging reliance.

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