OECD Green Talks LIVE: Policies for a plastic pollution-free future by 2040

The flexibility and versatility of plastics is difficult to match. However, escalating levels of plastics production and use, particularly in short-lived applications, have led to increasing waste levels and pollution of this all-pervasive material in recent decades. Without more ambitious policies, the proliferation of plastic production, use and waste will further expand by 70% by 2040. Additionally, 19% of plastic waste will not be properly managed, with grave impacts on the environment and human health.

How can policymakers turn the ever-rising tide on plastic pollution? What strategies can eliminate plastic leakage to the environment and at what cost?

On 2 October 2024, this OECD Green Talks LIVE discussed these questions during the launch of a new OECD report Policy Scenarios for Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040. Following an introduction by Jo Tyndall, Director of the OECD Environment Directorate, OECD Environment Senior Economist Rob Dellink and Junior Policy Analyst Elena Buzzi presented key findings from the report. They were joined by country representatives to discuss the implications of these findings in the context of efforts to establish a global plastics treaty. The webinar was moderated by Shardul Agrawala, Head of the Environment and Economy Integration Division at the OECD Environment Directorate.

During the talk we delved into the potential environmental benefits and economic consequences of five levels of international policy ambition towards ending plastic pollution by 2040. The panel of experts provided insights and highlight key policy actions to facilitate the transition to more sustainable plastics economies.