Representatives from twelve countries, including major FMCG brands, packaging companies, and governments, gathered in Cape Town, South Africa for the first in-person meeting of the Plastics Pact Network. This historic event, initiated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WRAP, marked a milestone in the global fight against plastic waste and pollution.
The Plastics Pact Network comprises members from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, India, Kenya, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, the UK, and the USA, collectively working towards a sustainable future. The voluntary agreement fosters a public-private partnership model, driving practical action to achieve science-based targets for reducing plastic’s environmental impact.
With over 800 businesses and a population of approximately 2.4 billion people involved in the thirteen Plastics Pacts, the network aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for plastics. The meeting provided a platform for members to share best practices and collaborate on tangible, empowering change in plastic usage.
Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, emphasized the urgency of global action on plastics and highlighted the power of voluntary networks to drive meaningful change. While recognizing the importance of regulation, she stressed the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in expediting impactful results.
The three-day workshop delved into member engagement, collaborative projects, and policy influence, focusing on accelerating progress within each country. Additionally, the meeting laid the groundwork for a comprehensive global report on the impact achieved by the Plastics Pacts, set to be unveiled ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty framework discussions in Ottawa.
This gathering not only symbolized a significant step towards global collaboration but also signified a crucial milestone in preparing for the forthcoming global treaty to combat plastic pollution. As the world eagerly awaits the outcomes of these endeavors, the Plastics Pact Network stands as a beacon of hope for a sustainable, plastic-free future.
