Global Commitment signatories outperforming peers in tackling plastic waste
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has released a report on the performance of signatories to the Global Commitment, which found they “significantly” outperformed their peers.
Led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, 500 organisations have signed the Global Commitment.
Companies representing 20% of all plastic packaging produced globally have committed to the 2025 targets to help create a circular economy for plastics.
The sixth annual progress report examined the progress signatories have made towards achieving these targets.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that signatories to the Global Commitment have avoided 9.6 million tonnes of virgin plastic since 2018.
Brand and retail signatories have reduced their virgin plastic use by 3% since 2018, compared to the plastic packaging market as a whole which has increased by 8%.
For the sixth consecutive year, the report found signatories continued to increase their use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
However, the report found signatories remained unlikely to meet key 2025 targets, and the world remains off track to eliminate plastic waste and pollution.
Signatories continue to significantly outperform their peers and demonstrate the roadblocks and challenges on the path ahead.
Commenting on the report, Aisha Stenning, Business Action Lead for the Plastics Initiative at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said: “The Global Commitment has demonstrated the power of voluntary business action in the fight against plastic waste and pollution, keeping resources in the ground and out of our environment.
“Although the world remains far off track from fixing this crisis, signatories continue to significantly outperform their peers and demonstrate the roadblocks and challenges on the path ahead.”
Ahead of the final round of talks on a UN Global Plastics Treaty, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation said binding global policy is now as “essential” as voluntary action to achieve the Commitment’s targets.
From 25 November to 1 December 2024, global representatives are meeting in Busan, South Korea, for the final round of talks to secure a UN treaty based on legally binding global rules to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The Foundation said the negotiations represent a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to tackle plastic pollution at its roots.
Stenning continued: “We now need to see an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution alongside voluntary action – both are crucial.
“Negotiators have a chance to agree on a global plastics treaty this month, and we call on them to finalise an ambitious agreement to accelerate progress in the fight against plastic waste and pollution.”
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