Plastic proliferation and pollution fuel the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. They impact us all, but not equally; thus they exacerbate injustice. A just transition, commonly described as ensuring that the much needed green transition is happening in a fair and inclusive way and leaves no one behind, can both put an end to plastic pollution, guarantee human rights and bring social benefits.
Health And Safety Not Guaranteed – Exposing plastics’ impact on human health
Communities living near fossil fuel extraction, petrochemical refineries and transport routes and
the workers employed in these facilities, face increased risks of respiratory issues and cancer
from emissions, fires, and flares: just one example of how the detrimental effects of plastic on
human health start long before it is created for human use.
Open Letter on Chemicals in the PPWR
In line with our letter sent to Commissioners on 30 November 2023 regarding substances of concern in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR)1, we are now calling on negotiators to maintain the ambition of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) within the PPWR.
In particular, we ask the negotiators to:
- Introduce restrictions in the cases of significant risks to human health or the environment with wording aligned with the ESPR, and
- Introduce bans on PFAS and BPA in packaging.