It's time to Rethink Plastic
The Rethink Plastic alliance works with European decision-makers to design and deliver policies solutions for a future free from plastic pollution.
We call for urgent action in five key campaigns: plastic production reduction, redesign for prevention, non-toxicity and reuse, microplastics, waste management, clean material cycles and waste trade and the global plastics treaty.
What the EU should do to tackle the Plastic Crisis – our key policy demands at a glance
Our campaigns
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Discover the campaignPlastics and EU — European Elections 2024Shape the Future of EU Plastic Policy
Main contacts
Caroline Will, Rethink Plastic Alliance – [email protected]
Bethany Spendlove Keeley, Break Free From Plastic – [email protected]
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Discover the campaignPlastic Production ReductionJust as the world begins to realize the dangers of pollution from plastics and take action to eliminate them, the industry is poised to invest billions in expanding plastic production. Over 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels and petrochemicals, and the fossil fuel and plastic industries are deeply connected.
Key policies
EU-ETS revision • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism • Regulation to reduce methane emissions • Industrial Emissions Directive • EU Taxonomy
Main contacts
Agnese Ruggiero, Carbon Market Watch
[email protected]Tatiana Lujan, ClientEarth
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Discover the campaignRedesign plastic packaging for prevention, non-toxicity and reuseWorking towards the phase out of single-use plastic (SUP) items is key to reduce the overall volume of plastic pollution, both on land and in our ocean.
Key policies
EU-ETS revision • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism • Regulation to reduce methane emissions • Industrial Emissions Directive • EU Taxonomy
Main contacts
Larissa Copello, Zero Waste Europe – [email protected]Â
Jean Pierre Schweitzer, European Environmental Bureau – [email protected]Â
Mathias Falkenberg, ECOS – [email protected]
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Discover the campaignMicroplasticsMicroplastics – and the even smaller nanoplastics – are everywhere: in the environment, in the ocean, on land, and in our food , with a proven impact on both living organisms and ecosystems. Such pollution has to be stopped at the source and across all economic sectors before it turns into a worldwide health and environmental plague.
Key policies
REACH revision • Upcoming EU legislative proposal to reduce the impact of microplastic pollution on the environment • EU Drinking Water Directive Revision • Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive • Sewage Sludge Directive • Zero Pollution Action Plan • Chemical Strategy
Main contacts
Frédérique Mongodin, Seas at Risk – [email protected]Â
Helene Duguy, ClientEarth – [email protected]Â
Gaelle Haut, Surfrider Foundation Europe – [email protected]Â
Mathias Falkenberg, ECOS – [email protected]
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Discover the campaignWaste Management of plastic, Clean Material Cycles and Waste TradeIf proper rules are adopted to better ship plastic waste within the EU while prohibiting the exports outside of its borders, the EU will send a strong message by putting an end to unsustainable and unfair practices.
Key policies
Waste Shipment Regulation • Basel Convention • Global Plastics Treaty
Main contacts
Lauren Weir, Environmental Investigation Agency – [email protected]Â
Theresa M̦rsen, Zero Waste Europe Р[email protected]
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Discover the campaignGlobal Plastics TreatyPreventing plastic pollution requires a Convention (Treaty) on Plastic Pollution that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics from upstream (production) and midstream (design) to downstream (waste management) stages. We need a Treaty that builds upon and complements existing EU initiatives while addressing the significant gaps that prevent us from eliminating plastic pollution.
Key policies
Global Plastics Treaty • Waste Shipment Regulation • Waste Shipment Regulation • Industrial Emissions Directive • Single Use Plastics Directive • REACH Microplastics Restriction • Port Reception Facilities Directive
Main contacts
Giulia Carlini, Center for International Environmental Law – [email protected]
Jane Patton, Center for International Environmental Law – [email protected]
Christina Dixon, Environmental Investigation Agency – [email protected]
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Discover the campaignMake Throwaway Go Away! The case for reuse in the PPWRRedesigning Packaging and Packaging Waste in the EU
Key policies
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Main contacts
Larissa Copello, Zero Waste Europe – [email protected]
Jean Pierre Schweitzer, European Environmental Bureau – [email protected]
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Brussels, 8 May 2025 -
Press Release 09.04.2025 | For immediate release | Brussels, Belgium
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Member States must step up efforts to ensure the EU meets its packaging waste goals, says the NGO group Rethink Plastic alliance. A new report…
