The OECD's Report on Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040

1. What is the significance of the Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040 report?

The OECD's report is of paramount importance as it provides a comprehensive roadmap for governments and policymakers to address the entire lifecycle of plastic. Released at the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution (INC-3), the report outlines strategic measures to curb production and demand, increase circularity, and tackle the escalating issue of plastic pollution.

• The report serves as a guideline for global policymakers to combat plastic pollution.
• It was released at the INC-3, indicating international acknowledgment and collaboration on the issue.
• The strategies outlined in the report aim to address the full lifecycle of plastic, from production to disposal.

2. Why does the report emphasize the unsustainability of business as usual?

The report underlines that the business-as-usual approach is unsustainable because, under the Baseline scenario reflecting climate policies in place as of 2021, there would be a 50% increase in the leakage of macroplastics into the environment by 2040.

• Business as usual leads to a significant increase in plastic leakage by 2040.
• The Baseline scenario reflects climate policies as of 2021.
• The unsustainability is evidenced by the substantial environmental impact of the projected increase in plastic leakage.

3. What are the key findings regarding plastic waste generation in 2040?

The key findings indicate that early, stringent, and coordinated policy action globally could reduce plastic waste generation in 2040 by a quarter below the baseline scenario. However, such action would come at a cost of 0.5% of global GDP.

• Early and coordinated policy action globally can reduce plastic waste generation.
• The reduction is projected to be a quarter below the baseline scenario.
• The cost of such action is estimated to be 0.5% of global GDP.

4. How does the report recommend curbing production and demand for plastic?

The report suggests restraining production and demand towards sustainable levels through targeted taxes and regulations on avoidable plastics.

• The recommendation involves implementing targeted taxes and regulations.
• The aim is to restrain production and demand to sustainable levels.
• The focus is on avoiding plastics that contribute significantly to pollution.

5. In what ways does the report propose designing for circularity in plastic production?

The report advocates making the plastic production process more circular by incorporating ecodesign criteria and product standards for reuse.

• Circular design involves incorporating ecodesign criteria.
• The emphasis is on establishing product standards that promote reuse.
• The goal is to create a more sustainable and circular plastic production process.

6. How does the report recommend enhancing recycling to address plastic pollution?

The report suggests closing material loops by improving separate collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste, along with implementing steps like extended producer responsibility.

• Enhancing recycling involves improving separate collection and sorting of plastic waste.
• The report recommends implementing extended producer responsibility.
• The goal is to create a more efficient and effective recycling process.

7. What measures does the report propose to close leakage pathways of plastic into the environment?

The report recommends decreasing losses into the environment through effective waste collection and disposal to close leakage pathways.

• Closing leakage pathways involves decreasing losses into the environment.
• The emphasis is on implementing effective waste collection and disposal methods.
• The goal is to prevent plastic from entering and polluting the environment.

In conclusion, the OECD's report on Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040 offers a crucial framework for addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution. The key findings and recommendations underscore the urgency of coordinated, early policy action to mitigate the environmental impact and achieve a sustainable future.