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Professor Steve Fletcher, who leads the Revolution Plastics Institute at the С����Ƶ, was at the heart of UK’s conversations about the world’s plastic crisis at a high-profile event this week.  

The Conference (Thursday 19 September), was hosted by the British Plastics Federation and Innovate UKRI Innovate UK, and brought together global experts to explore the future of plastics sustainability.

Professor Fletcher was a key speaker on the ‘International Drivers Shaping Future Polymer Sustainability’ panel, where he was joined by representatives from WRAP, Resource Futures, Biffa, and Plastic Bank. The discussion focused on how the international community could work together to shape the future use of polymers and address the global plastics crisis.

Drawing on his detailed knowledge of the negotiations, Professor Fletcher provided an update on the current status of the treaty and shared insights on what the agreement might look like when negotiations conclude later this year.

Professor Fletcher said: “The Global Plastics Treaty represents the most ambitious environmental agreements to tackle global plastic pollution. It is essential that we address not only the symptoms of the plastics crisis but also the root causes, including problematic chemicals, avoidable plastics, and design flaws in plastic products. Innovation will be a key factor in driving sustainable change, and I look forward to discussing how we can align national and international efforts to achieve lasting impact.”

“The decisions made now will shape how the world manages plastics for decades to come. It's essential that we not only address the immediate issues but also create a sustainable path forward.”

Key topics Professor Fletcher addressed included:

• Chemicals of Concern: How to tackle problematic and avoidable plastics that are harming the environment?
• Innovation in Plastics Sustainability: The role of technological and design innovations in reducing plastic waste.
• Product Design: How smarter design can be a critical factor in minimising the impact of plastic products on the environment.
• The Role of the UK: How the UK can be a driving force behind the UNEA Treaty by setting a leading example for other countries.

The panel also explored broader questions about the international effort to tackle plastic pollution:

• What policies or regulatory frameworks currently promote plastics sustainability, and how effective have they been?
• Can successful circular economy models for plastics be implemented on a global scale?
• What are the biggest challenges in managing plastic waste internationally, and how can global supply chains for polymers be made more transparent and sustainable?

The panel also discussed the need for international collaboration, as well as the importance of ensuring that the benefits of new polymer technologies and innovations are shared equitably across both developed and developing nations. They also addressed the cultural and regional challenges in promoting plastics sustainability and explored realistic timeframes for a global shift toward sustainable polymer use.

The Revolution Plastics Institute remains committed to providing evidence-based research to help shape international policies aimed at ending plastic pollution. As negotiations around the UNEA Global Plastics Treaty approach their conclusion, the Institute will continue to contribute its expertise to ensure a future where plastics are managed sustainably and responsibly.