A coalition of packaging companies is calling on UN treaty makers to recognise natural polymer materials as a key tool in the ‘fight against plastic’.
The Natural Polymers Group is a new industry voice committed to scaling natural polymer solutions to reduce plastic pollution globally.
The group, representing seven innovators across the US, Europe and India, has been founded to establish nature-based materials, such as plants and seaweeds, as a ‘viable and mainstream’ means of replacing plastic.
These materials, created by companies Notpla, Loliware, Traceless, Xampla, MarinaTex, Zerocircle and PlantSea, are described as offering a ‘regenerative, circular solution’ to tackle plastic waste and pollution.
The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will kick off in Nairobi next week, as representatives come together to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
“We have come together to demonstrate the enormous potential for naturally sourced materials to transform industries reliant on conventional and single-use plastics,” said Pierre Paslier, co-founder of Notpla. “Our group will be the voice of this emerging industry and accelerate the adoption of natural polymers across many sectors and applications.”
Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, added, “We are proud to launch the Natural Polymers Group to speak with one voice about the potential of natural materials to eliminate plastic. Our Morro materials are a viable and market ready solution that can do things plastics never could. We urge those who are drafting the Treaty to recognise natural polymers as an essential part of a plastic free future.”
The group has set out three policy endorsements ahead of INC-3. This includes the call for a ‘global and clear definition’ for plastic and non-plastic substitutes and an expanded criteria for circularity, that recognises end of life benefits of natural polymers. It also pushes for policies and incentives to phase out ‘unnecessary’ plastics such as extended producer responsibility systems, taxes and levies.
Pierre Paslier added, “The global treaty underway now is a pivotal chance to coordinate ambitious action to address the plastic crisis. We urge policymakers to leverage this opportunity to support natural solutions as the key solution to avoid plastic waste and pollution altogether, rather than relying solely on recycling or reuse of plastic.”
The coalition is inviting other innovators, businesses, researchers and NGOs to join its mission.
