Think Tank: Plastics industry must find way forward after collapse of UN treaty talks

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Plastics and chemical producers need to find more effective ways to tackle the problem of plastic waste after UN treaty negotiations ended without agreement at the weekend.

• Consumer demand will drive improvements in plastic waste management
• Chemical companies need to reconnect with brands/consumers
• We will move out of current ‘trough of despair’ about recycling
• End of globalization may mean national/regional treaties are more effective
• UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee concluded in Busan, South Korea, on 1 December, with no definitive agreement
• Around 100 countries backed proposals, with a small number of hold-outs

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS market engagement executive Nigel Davis and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

Editor’s note: This podcast is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the presenter and interviewees, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

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