Global plastics governance : opportunities and challenges for its improvement from a life cycle perspective

Abstract

Despite being an alarming and widespread environmental issue, plastic pollution is still lacking an adequate response from the international community. The interconnection between (upstream) human activities and (downstream) environmental consequences has recently been recognized as a crucial element to consider for the prevention and minimization of plastic pollution. Production, consumption, and waste management have only recently begun to come into focus. Moreover, plastic pollution has long been framed as a marine issue. Over the last years, the role played by other ecosystems, such as freshwater ones, was widely underestimated. In this paper, we propose to analyze and discuss the relevant international legal framework from the perspective of the plastic life cycle. For each one of its stages – production and manufacturing, consumption, waste management and plastic pollution, we highlight opportunities and challenges offered by existing legal instruments. Then, in line with the efforts of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), we identify key aspects that could be covered by the upcoming ‘plastic treaty’. With a view to strengthening global plastics governance, we argue that the amendment of the legal instruments already in force will be as crucial as the adoption of a new international binding agreement.