Do countries agree on emissions and releases of plastics across their life cycles?

The concept of “emissions and releases of plastics across their life cycles” encompasses a series of stages and processes that contribute to environmental pollution and degradation. The cycle begins with raw material extraction and production, involving the processing of fossil fuels into plastic polymers, which emit greenhouse gases (GHG) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). During manufacturing and processing, energy-intensive processes like moulding and extrusion release carbon emissions and air pollutants, especially when fossil fuels are used for electricity. Throughout the consumer phase, plastic products shed microplastics from wear and tear, leach harmful chemicals under heat or UV exposure, and release microfibres into wastewater during washing.

Inadequate waste management exacerbates emissions—incineration generates dioxins and furans, landfilling leads to chemical leachate into soil and groundwater, and littering directly pollutes natural environments. Recycling processes, while beneficial, can emit GHGs during mechanical and chemical methods, especially if recycling is incomplete, leading to downcycling or disposal of plastic waste. Moreover, global transport and trade of plastics contribute to emissions from shipping and logistics, with additional impacts such as pellet spills and pollution along supply chains. Addressing emissions and releases of plastics across their life cycles is critical for effective plastic pollution mitigation, requiring strategies that minimise emissions during production, enhance waste management practices, and promote sustainable recycling technologies to reduce environmental impacts associated with plastic production and consumption.

The European Union, Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and the African group have agreed to this provision. The African group has specifically requested a focus on promoting research and innovation to prevent the capture of plastics and plastic products into the environment.  

Algeria and Japan have proposed assessments and baseline studies as the starting points of this provision.

China and Iran have deleted the language on “across the life cycle” of plastics, indicating that the member states do not agree that plastics pollute during their production, manufacturing and distribution phase. Both countries have suggested a focus on the emissions of plastic waste.

The United States and India deleted language such as “eliminate” and “prevent”. The US maintained that these steps have to be taken nationally. Brazil suggested that sources of emissions have to be nationally determined.

Russia stated that “emissions from virgin polymers are out of the scope of UNEA Resolution 5/14”. It indicated that the provision lacks emissions from plastic recycling activities which should be reflected.

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