World Wildlife Fund welcomes France-led joint statement for global plastic treaty; 90 countries issue call ahead of United Nations negotiations in Geneva

Today, at the third UN Ocean Conference, and ahead of the upcoming UN Plastic Treaty negotiations (INC 5.2), co-host France and more than 90 countries issued a “wake up call” to rally countries in support of a legally binding global plastic pollution treaty. In response, WWF-US issued the following statement from Erin Simon, vice president, plastic waste & business, World Wildlife Fund:

“Today’s joint statement sends a positive signal that there is strong collaboration and support to secure a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. With no sign of the plastic pollution crisis slowing, and with just two months before the next round of negotiations get underway, it’s essential that countries come to the negotiation table ready to get to work on a treaty that both people and our planet deserve.

“From phasing out chemicals and products that carry the highest risk to our environment and health, to ensuring the products we do make are to be more easily recycled – these are the types of priorities we’re hopeful will be included in a final treaty.

“Millions of people around the world have called for a solution to the plastic pollution crisis and while today is a step in the right direction we must continue to push toward advancing a meaningful and enduring agreement in Geneva.”