In an effort to combat plastic waste, members of the Global Plastics Policy Centre at the University of Portsmouth today urged delegates at a World Trade Organisation (WTO) event to focus on trade measures that encourage the adoption of reuse systems.
One of a series of discussions, this online event, "A Dialogue on Plastic Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP)," attracted participants from up to 164 countries.
The Global Plastics Policy Centre presented detailed, evidence-based research on reuse systems, advising how trade measures can support the uptake of reuse systems.
Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre, emphasised the urgency of the issue: "We need to address the single-use plastic pollution crisis. We can only achieve this if the world works together across trade barriers. One way we can do this is by adopting cross-boundary reuse systems."
We need to address the single-use plastic pollution crisis. We can only achieve this if the world works together across trade barriers. One way we can do this is by adopting cross-boundary reuse systems.
Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre
Researchers at the Centre argue that adopting reuse systems is critical to phasing out single-use packaging. Reuse reduces the demand for virgin plastic, promotes the circulation of materials, and significantly cuts down waste generation and its associated climate costs.
The Centre's research outlines how reuse systems can be integrated into trade systems throughout every stage of the plastic lifecycle. Professor Fletcher highlighted the transformative potential of reuse systems in international trade: "Introducing reuse systems into international trade is an exciting opportunity in the fight against plastic pollution. There are real possibilities for greater collaboration in trade, including the movement of reusable items across national boundaries."
Introducing reuse systems into international trade is an exciting opportunity in the fight against plastic pollution. There are real possibilities for greater collaboration in trade, including the movement of reusable items across national boundaries.
Professor Fletcher , Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre
Other critical considerations for the adoption of reuse across trade boundaries include:
• Data sharing: Ensuring that reusable items reach a break-even point where each use is less damaging than the equivalent single-use item. Accurate data on the number of times an item has been reused, even across different countries, is essential.
• End of life of reusable items: Developing strategies for safely disposing of reusable items at the end of their life cycle.
The Global Plastics Policy Centre presentation was grounded in a comprehensive global analysis of documented experiences with reuse systems. This research included interviews with a range of businesses, NGOs, community groups, and waste workers, as well as observations and side events such as "Demystifying Reuse."
The Global Plastic Policy Centre's advocacy for reuse systems as a solution to plastic pollution is a call to action for international collaboration and innovation in trade practices, aiming to make significant strides towards a more sustainable future.
