Chemistry Australia will continue collaborative efforts to end plastic pollution and progress an Australian plastics circular economy despite stalled negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty.

Chemistry Australia Director Circular Economy and Future Industries Peter Bury said while the complexity of negotiations proved too challenging to overcome in Geneva, valuable progress has been made towards a binding international treaty.

“We recognise that finding agreement on the best ways to eliminate global plastic pollution is complex to work through, noting that governments have agreed to resume talks at a future session to be announced,” said Mr Bury.

“The 185 negotiating parties have made considerable progress in areas where a future agreement may be developed, and we are optimistic an inclusive, binding and effective global agreement that can be implemented by all parties can still be achieved.

"In the meantime, Chemistry Australia and its members remain committed to supporting actions that end pollution and enable a circular economy for plastics.”

Mr Bury said since the 2022 UNEA resolution, the industry has provided expertise and solutions to tackle challenges such as high-leakage plastic products, microplastics, and transparency on additives used in plastic products.

“Tools such as the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)’s Plastics Additives Database and proposed decision tree assessment tool will help governments and industry tackle challenges such as high-leakage plastic products and transparency on additives in plastics, while supporting countries to develop targeted, science-based solutions,” said Mr Bury.

“In Australia, Operation Clean Sweep remains the practical initiative for industry to help eliminate plastic feedstock loss across the value chain.”

“We thank UNEP, governments, industry value chain partners, NGOs, and science and academia for their efforts throughout the Treaty process and look forward to working with all parties to establish inclusive, pragmatic, and effective solutions.

"It’s imperative we continue work to end pollution and accelerate an Australian plastics circular economy today."