On 2 March 2022, the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) approved a so-called historic agreement to end plastic pollution and forge a legally binding international treaty by 2024. Industry associations from around the world have come together to voice their support for the move… and the principles they believe it should be based on.
At the United Nations Environment Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28 February to 2 March 2022, heads of state, environment ministers and other representatives from 175 countries approved this resolution, which aims to combat plastic pollution by negotiating a treaty by 2024 that takes into account the entire life cycle of plastic, from its source to the sea.
Plastic production has increased exponentially over the past decades and now amounts to some 400 million tonnes per year, a figure that is expected to double by 2040.
The support of the global cosmetics industry
Although it is not the main contributor to this type of pollution, the cosmetics industry will inevitably be impacted by the binding measures that could be decided in the framework of the future treaty. It has therefore been quick to make its voice heard, in a press release approved by four regional associations and 33 national associations representing the sector.
This text first recalls that the cosmetics industry has already “made robust pledges while taking progressive action in support of transitioning to a circular economy and ending plastics pollution.” For example, it “fervently exploring and adopting where currently possible different distribution models including refilling and recharging …
