Tomra has released its ten recommendations for a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Plastics Treaty.
The recommendations were published in advance of the INC3, the third International Negotiation Committee Meeting, which will take place from 13-19 November in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to UNEP, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year, leading to the destruction of aquatic ecosystems, the endangerment of wildlife, and a host of other environmental and health-related issues.
Tomra, in collaboration with waste management consultancy Eunomia, have identified the top performing waste management solutions by looking at successful systems from around the world.
By understanding what has made these systems successful, it is possible to reduce litter, maximise recycling rates, lower carbon emissions, and boost the circular economy in a relatively short amount of time. The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution provides opportunity to make this a reality.
The identified solutions utilise three key elements:
- Deposit return systems, which produce extremely high plastic collection rates (90 per cent and above);
- The separate collection of organic, textile, e-waste, paper and glass;
- Mixed waste sorting prior to disposal, coupled with advanced mechanical recycling to produce virgin-like recycled plastic.
These systems can be adapted to meet local needs, helping to strengthen the global circular economy and involve waste pickers in meaningful work.
Tomra believes that extended producer responsibility policies and other pieces of legislation must be implemented urgently and effectively, in order to ensure the successful implementation of effective systems.
Additionally, Tomra recommends other effective options to promote the sustainable production and consumption of plastic products and packaging, with the goal of transitioning towards a truly circular economy.
“The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution has the potential to bring about a much-needed transformation in the way we manage and recycle plastic waste,” said Wolfgang Ringel, senior vice-president of public affairs at Tomra.
“Tomra is committed to developing innovative solutions that will bring an end to plastic pollution and pave the way towards a circular economy for plastics, and we hope our 10 recommendations will serve as a valuable contribution to the UNEP’s efforts to create an effective international legally binding instrument.”
Tomra’s ten recommendations provide a comprehensive and actionable approach to improve plastic circularity.
“It is evident that voluntary and current mainstream approaches are not enough to address the issue of plastic pollution, despite increased efforts over the past decade,” said Jacob Rognhaug, vice-president of systems design at Tomra.
“Fortunately, high-performing systems have been developed, and, though these, we have identified ten specific recommendations for the international legally binding instrument to accelerate progress around the world.”
Tomra concluded by stating that by working together on a global scale, a future can be created where plastic pollution is a thing of the past.
