New UN Resolution Takes Aim at Global Plastic Pollution, Could Ultimately Impact Toy Manufacturing

March 7, 2022 | The Toy Association is alerting members of a new resolution that aims to forge an international legally binding agreement on global plastic pollution by the end of 2024.

Endorsed by 175 member states during the United Nations (UN) Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya on March 2, the resolution seeks to address the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal, and could put limits on virgin plastic production and create minimum recycled content mandates for toymakers.

The resolution establishes an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee which will begin work this year on drafting the agreement. The end document is expected to reflect diverse alternatives to address the full lifecycle of plastics, the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need for enhanced international collaboration to facilitate access to technology for the plan to be realized, according to the UN.

“Recognizing that plastic waste is a global problem and that global solutions are necessary, the toy industry welcomes the endorsement of and work toward a global plastics treaty,” said Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association. “That said, we also know that plastics are often the lowest carbon footprint option available when the full material lifecycle is considered. Thus, we firmly believe that the plastic waste issue is best addressed by achieving universal access to waste collection and advanced recycling technologies, rather than limiting plastic use to only certain applications, and look forward to seeing the final language of the agreement.”

The Toy Association will continue to keep members updated on the treaty’s progress and lobby the U.S. State Department when necessary regarding avoidance of mandates that will make business difficult for our members.