AFPM: U.S. government flip-flop in support of plastic production caps threatens years of UN negotiating work

WASHINGTON, D.C. - American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President and CEO Chet Thompson issued the following statement today in response to reports indicating that the United States is shifting its position on the United Nations' global agreement to end plastic pollution and will now support calls for plastic production caps and the establishment of a global list of banned chemicals. AFPM has been a participant in the United Nations' (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process for the past two years:

"This 11th hour, 180° change in U.S. policy could sabotage years of positive collaboration and progress in brokering an international agreement-capable of U.S. Senate ratification-that ends plastic pollution, unlocks innovation and accelerates a global transition to a circular economy.

"We can eliminate plastic waste without eliminating plastic production for essential goods and qualify-of-life-enhancing applications. AFPM looks forward to working with policymakers to develop real solutions that do what the United Nations intends, specifically, keeping plastic pollution out of the environment."