In ongoing talks to combat plastic pollution, the use of recycled plastic content represents a proactive strategy to mitigate environmental impacts associated with plastic production and consumption
Workers in the eco center of Mayapur, cleaning, sorting and recycling waste. Photo: iStock The utilisation of recycled plastic content is pivotal in advancing sustainable practices and reducing the environmental footprint of plastic production and consumption. By incorporating recycled plastics into new products and materials, the demand for virgin plastics is diminished, diverting plastic waste from landfills and ecosystems.
The significance of using recycled plastic content is multifaceted. Firstly, resource conservation is achieved by reducing reliance on new raw materials like petroleum or natural gas, thereby promoting resource efficiency and supporting a circular economy. Secondly, waste reduction is facilitated through the integration of recycled plastics into new products, contributing to efforts aimed at minimising plastic pollution. Thirdly, manufacturing products with recycled plastic requires less energy compared to manufacturing with virgin plastics, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced GHG emissions.
Furthermore, the promotion of a circular economy is encouraged through the adoption of recycled plastic content, fostering innovation in recycling technologies and infrastructure. Policymakers can support these efforts by advocating for regulations mandating minimum recycled content in products and providing incentives like tax breaks or extended producer responsibility schemes. Consumer awareness also plays a crucial role in driving market demand for recycled plastic products, prompting businesses to incorporate more recycled materials into their offerings.
In ongoing negotiations to combat plastic pollution, the use of recycled plastic content represents a proactive strategy to mitigate environmental impacts associated with plastic production and consumption. However, attention is to be paid to developing verification mechanisms to ensure the safety and quality of recycled content, particularly for food-grade applications. As research progresses, addressing chemical concerns associated with recycled plastics will be essential to ensure the continued sustainability and safety of recycled plastic products.
The US and EU have agreed to most of the elements of these provisions. India and China have aligned expressing their concern that the use of recycled content may be only limited to “appropriate plastics”. China has requested exercising caution as recycled plastic loses properties and the plastic product thus made is compromised.
Japan suggested a mandatory time-bound target for safe and environmentally sound post-consumer recycled content. Brazil did not agree to producing plastics with minimum percentages of recycled content. The African group suggested mandating the use of recycled pastic with timelines for selected applications.
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