Page 48 - Plastics News November 2025
P. 48
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
LATIN AMERICA ADVANCES CIRCULARITY
WITHOUT A GLOBAL TREATY
Meanwhile, more than 100 nations in the High
Ambition Coalition pushed for a broader vision
regulating the entire life cycle from manufactur-
ing to final disposal.
“This Isn’t Stopping”
Daniel Mitchell, president of Acoplásticos — the
Colombian Association of Plastics Industries —
stresses that the lack of consensus does not
stop progress.
“Plastic pollution is a global issue. Everyone
wants solutions. The treaty proves that, despite
differences between countries. What’s clear is
this isn’t stopping,” he says.
Mitchell believes that national and regional reg-
ulations will continue to advance even without
a global deal. He highlights the decisive role of
R&D in driving circularity.
R&D: The Frontline of Change
For Mitchell, the greatest challenges now rest
olombia and Latin America advance cir- with research and development teams.
cular plastics with eco-design, R&D, and “Labs and development centres must acceler-
Cregulation, proving circularity moves for- ate. Advanced chemical recycling resins and
ward without a global treaty.
additives that improve recycled material perfor-
A Global Treaty without Consensus mance are critical. R&D will determine if circu-
larity competes on both price and quality,” he
The Geneva talks on a Global Plastics Treaty explains.
(August 5–15) ended without agreement. Pro-
ducer countries, including the United States, In- Hurdles include maintaining transparency, safety,
dia, and Gulf nations, blocked proposals to curb and strength in recycled polymers, fixing color
virgin plastic production. and odor issues in packaging, and creating safe
food-contact solutions.
48 PLASTICS NEWS November 2025
