Amcor joins a new call for a UN treaty on plastic waste, following a recent report from Boston Consulting Group, World Wildlife Foundation, and Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Amcor has embraced a leadership role in the packaging industry to drive fast and tangible progress towards responsible packaging. The company’s contribution is visible through – innovation such as its recent, recyclable retort pet food pouch, collaborating for better policy, and informing consumers about how their recycling practices make a huge difference in keeping waste out of the environment.
That progress at the industry level must continue and gather even more pace. But it must also be matched by a serious, concerted effort by governments to invest in the necessary infrastructure needed to manage waste and increase recycling – of all types of waste.
Experts from the World Bank estimate that nearly 90% of all waste in the environment comes from items other than packaging. That is why Amcor supports this call for a new global treaty – so that clear targets can be set, commitments made, and progress accelerated. Governments worldwide can find inspiration and practical insights from those countries that have already shown leadership in tackling this important issue.
The company’s statement reads, “At Amcor we remain on track to meet our commitment that all our packaging will be recyclable or reusable by 2025. As we advance towards that goal, we will continue to advocate for the policies and infrastructure that will ensure consumers can enjoy the huge benefits of responsible packaging while protecting the environment.”
Currently, more than 11 million metric tons of plastic is flowing into the ocean each year. Despite the exponential growth in voluntary initiatives and national regulations to tackle plastic pollution, there is no sign that leakage rates are slowing. A coordinated global response in the form of a UN Treaty is required to help governments and businesses level the playing field and drive change at scale. There is no time to waste!
