Discussions continue in Busan, South Korea, to try to reach a global treaty against plastic pollution. 178 countries are represented, including those of the European Union (EU). The opportunity to analyse the European industry of the sector as the EU is one of the largest producers in the world. Decipherment.
THE’European Union (EU) uses double hats when we talk about plastic. That of producer and consumer. Last year, 54 million tons of virgin plastic were produced. Virgin plastic corresponds to pellets, granules, powder, flakes, in short, plastic material that has not been used and has not undergone transformations. That’s a lot, but it’s decreasing as production fell 8.3% compared to 2022. Europeans suffer most from Chinese and American competition.
Increase in global production
European producers in the sector are going against the current of global dynamics: +3.4% between 2022 and 2023. Plastic is everywhere. If you look around you will have no difficulty seeing some. And this trend proves it: between 1996 and 2016 the use of plastic increased 20 times and is expected to double again by 2036. This consumption necessarily generates waste. This is also the problem summit in Busan, South Korea : limit production to limit waste. For European groups to succeed, many are focusing on plastic recycling, to specifically produce plastic.
A real challenge for European producers who are aiming for 65% of circular plastic on the market by 2050, compared to 13% today. The general director for France of Plastics Europe, the European association of plastic producers, is confident: “ Recycled plastic is definitely the future of the sector. By 2050, European industry will produce more recycled plastic than fossil-based plastic. This is clearly the future for Europe, but more generally for the world. It is also necessary to fight against plastic pollution and prevent plastic waste from ending up in the environment. ».
“Recycled plastic is definitely the future of the sector”
Jean-Yves Daclin, general director France of Plastics Europe
Change underway
The European sector can thus find salvation in plastic recycling. Yes, because Member States are encouraged to recycle more, even if not everything is perfect. Environmental protection NGOs point out that plastic, even recycled, remains a problem source of pollution both from its production and its consumption. But since January 1, 2021, a tax on plastic has been applied on the continent. It’s kind of a fine if the waste plastic packaging is not recycled.
However, as we have said, Europeans are struggling to keep up with other global producers of virgin plastic. This repositioning into recyclable materials could therefore breathe new life into the sector which today employs more than one and a half million people on the continent. The European Commission encourages it in any case, with its Circular Plastic Alliance. The text aims to stimulate the European market for recycled plastic, with an objective: to produce up to 10 million tonnes by 2025. It’s tomorrow, and the major groups on the continent say they are confident they will succeed.
What are the key goals of the global treaty being discussed at the summit in Busan?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here in Busan, South Korea, where discussions are underway to establish a global treaty against plastic pollution. With us is Dr. Sarah Thompson, an expert in environmental policy and plastic production. Dr. Thompson, can you give us an overview of what’s at stake at this summit?
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. The discussions here are crucial as 178 countries, including those from the European Union, are represented. The goal is to create an effective legal framework to combat plastic pollution, which has reached alarming levels. Considering that plastic production is anticipated to double again by 2036, we need cohesive strategies to mitigate its environmental impact.
Interviewer: That’s quite concerning. The European Union is often seen as a leader in addressing plastic waste. But your report mentions the EU also plays a role as a major producer. Can you elaborate on this dual role?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The EU indeed wears two hats: it is both a significant producer and a consumer of plastic. Last year, it produced 54 million tons of virgin plastic. Thankfully, production has declined by 8.3% compared to 2022, but European industries face stiff competition from Chinese and American manufacturers, which are driving a global increase in plastic production.
Interviewer: You mentioned a focus on recycling as a solution for European producers. What are some of the initiatives they are taking to increase the use of recycled plastic?
Dr. Thompson: European producers are pivoting towards developing a circular economy in plastics. They aim to have 65% of the plastics on the market come from recycled sources by 2050, up from just 13% today. This is a monumental task, but many companies are changing their production methods to prioritize the recycling of plastic and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As the Director General for France of Plastics Europe stated, “Recycled plastic is definitely the future of the sector.”
Interviewer: It sounds promising, but also ambitious. In your view, what challenges lie ahead for these European initiatives?
Dr. Thompson: There are significant challenges. First, the technology for recycling must improve to support higher rates of recycled plastic incorporation. Additionally, there needs to be robust infrastructure for collection and sorting of plastics, which varies widely across EU member states. navigating international trade dynamics and competition from regions with laxer environmental regulations can hinder European efforts.
Interviewer: The summit in Busan is crucial for global collaboration. How do you see the importance of international cooperation in tackling plastic pollution?
Dr. Thompson: International cooperation is essential. Plastic pollution is a transboundary issue—it doesn’t respect borders. Countries need to share best practices, technologies, and perhaps even regulations to create uniform standards that can effectively limit production and consumption. Bilateral and multilateral agreements can also provide frameworks for accountability.
Interviewer: With the rising production and consumption trends, do you believe it’s feasible to see a significant reduction in plastic waste through these initiatives?
Dr. Thompson: It will require concerted effort and commitment from all stakeholders, including governments, industries, and consumers. There is hope, especially with innovations in recycling technology, public awareness growing, and increasing demand for sustainable products. If the EU can lead by example, it can inspire other regions to adopt similar measures, which is essential to curbing the plastic crisis.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It’s evident that while we face daunting challenges regarding plastic pollution, there are also clear pathways forward if we work together.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope that the discussions here lead to actionable commitments that can change the tide against plastic pollution.
Interviewer: We certainly share that hope. Thank you, everyone, for tuning in. Stay informed as we follow the developments from Busan and explore how collective action can make a difference in the fight against plastic pollution.
