The current plastic value chain is linear.
Closing the gap in global policy is an opportunity to make the value chain circular and stop plastic pollution.
The report proposes a number of ways a new agreement can help accomplish this.
Numerous calls from the international community have been made for a new global agreement on marine plastic litter.
In 2019, 90 countries called for exploring the option for a global agreement through ministerial declarations.
A global agreement would promote international cooperation and create a level playing field for governments and industries.
A global agreement on plastic will help countries tackling plastic pollution, taking into account the entire life cycle.
All sources and pathways of marine plastic can be addressed.
Standards, testing protocols and certification schemes will support the measures.
Measures to address life cycle phases can be facilitated through the development of international sustainability criteria for plastics.
The suggested elements of a new global agreement to combat plastic pollution aim to benefit governments, industry and civil society.