"UN treaty talks aim to reduce global plastic pollution by 80%"

As talks begin on a global plastics treaty, countries are debating whether to limit plastic production or focus on recycling. A 55-nation coalition is calling for a strong treaty including restrictions on hazardous chemicals and bans on problematic plastics products. The U.N. Environment Programme has released a blueprint for reducing plastic waste by 80% by 2040, focusing on reuse, recycling, and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Environmental groups criticize the report for focusing on waste management, which they see as a concession to the global plastics and petrochemicals industry. The industry has put mechanical and chemical recycling at the center of its position.