Comprehensive approach for a treaty to end plastics pollution: Perspectives from the biopharmaceutical and consumer health industries

We support a UN instrument to end plastics pollution through a harmonized, global approach that also prioritizes patient safety and safeguards access to medicinal and medical products.

Plastics pollution is a threat to both the environment and human health, with impacts across the plastics value chain. It is important that the treaty takes an approach that safeguards health and addresses plastics pollution in the environment across the full lifecycle of plastics. This includes reducing unnecessary plastics use and transitioning to a circular economy.

Due to the important role that plastics plays in healthcare, not only in packaging and medical devices but throughout the pharmaceutical lifecycle, Member States must ensure close consultation and coordination between health regulators, environmental policy makers, and manufacturers to avoid any conflicting requirements.

A globally harmonized approach is essential for the consistent application of and compliance to the stringent quality and safety standards that need to be met in the manufacture, production, and distribution of healthcare products. A plastics treaty must allow for the effective transition to alternative materials, with patient health front and center.

We believe it is possible to achieve an ambitious instrument that protects both the environment and human health, through harmonized, targeted extended compliance periods, in line with regulatory timelines, and limited exemptions where no feasible and safe alternatives exist at sufficient quality and scale.

Establishing harmonized rules through a health-protective treaty will ensure society benefits from plastics while promoting patient safety, climate resilience, and sustainability in healthcare.

For more information please see:

• IFPMA position paper on, the Global Plastics "Instrument"
• GSCF position paper on, "Transition to sustainable plastic packaging for consumer healthcare products"