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Unilever CEO calls for global treaty to tackle plastic pollution

Following calls by Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher for industry to back a global treaty to tackle the problem of plastic pollution, we consider whether this initiative could make a real difference.

In a blog, which was posted to the Unilever website on 16 January, Schumacher stated that plastic pollution continues to be a growing problem worldwide. He referred to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that shows plastic pollution more than doubled in the ten-year period 2009 – 2019, with only 9% of plastics ever being recycled.

The OECD data suggests that the current level of pollution is likely to triple by 2060, with around half of this waste ending up in landfill – a problem that is likely to further exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions caused by plastics and making it impossible to fulfill goals aimed to curb the problem.

So why is the world still facing this issue when so many initiatives have been introduced to tackle the problem? Schumacher believes that the real reason why we are failing is because none of those initiatives have required any real commitment from industries and businesses.

The Paris Treaty for Plastic Pollution

With the crucial final sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) being held in April and October of this year, what is being termed as the Paris Treaty for Plastic Pollution is in the offing. However, Schumacher believes that it can only be successfully implemented with a meaningful backing by businesses. This is why he is supporting the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty to ensure that commitment is set in stone.

“Voluntary initiatives are not enough – that is clear. More interventions are needed across the entire plastics value chain, both upstream production and downstream waste management,” Schumacher stated in the blog post. “Voluntary initiatives also distort the market, too often reducing the competitiveness of those taking action. We need stronger and harmonised regulations to get everyone on track to eliminate plastic waste and pollution.”

The packaging industry needs to offer more solutions

Amarjit Sahota, founder of natural and sustainable market intelligence provider to the food and cosmetic industries, Ecovia Intelligence, believes the treaty is a good idea and could make a significant difference. “In terms of sustainability, plastic waste is a major issue for the food and cosmetic industries. Consumers are looking to move away from single-use plastic packaging, however the packaging sector is offering relatively few alternatives to food and cosmetic companies,” he said.

The fact that the treaty is getting the backing of Unilever, one of the largest consumer packaged goods multinationals in the world, is in itself significant, lending it some much needed impetus.

Sahota believes that Unilever’s backing and the personal crusade by its CEO will make a significant difference, pointing out that the company has already been leading the way on a variety of issues that are helping to make the industry more eco-friendly.

The backing of business could be make or break

In 2022 the framework was laid down by the UNEA to create a workable plastic pollution treaty by 2024. As the assembly enters the final stages of the negotiations for the treaty, it could be that a firm commitment from industry will be make or break.

“Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, leading in the food and cosmetic industries,” said Sahota. “Unilever has spearheaded many sustainability initiatives in these industries. For instance, it has been instrumental in setting up the Marine Stewardship Council and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. It is also highly active in reducing waste, undertaking ethical sourcing, and reducing its carbon emissions.”

Ultimately, Sahota believes that the goal should be to move away from the use of virgin plastics to more sustainable materials instead. This will also help to close the loop and achieve circular methods that are a more workable and realistic response to help tackle the problem of plastic pollution.

“Part of the solution is greater investment into plastic alternatives for packaging,” said Sahota. “This would improve the performance of these green materials and also help lower costs. The ultimate goal is to move to packaging that is biodegradable, compostable and / or recyclable. At present, the majority of plastic packaging is not recycled or re-used, and ends up in landfill or in water streams. Green packaging materials would help overcome this issue.”