In brief
Countries are approaching plastics regulation in different ways. Measures that have been proposed and adopted vary and include imposing plastic taxes, bans on single-use plastics, microbead bans, deposit return schemes, and consumer charges to discourage consumption (e.g., carrier bag charges).
At an international level, in 2022, a UN resolution was endorsed to end plastic pollution and propose an international legally binding agreement by 2024. The resolution addresses the full life cycle of plastics, including their production, design, and disposal, and establishes an international intergovernmental negotiating committee to work out the details. With the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution currently taking place in Kenya, we anticipate more clarity on the direction of regulatory action that is likely to be in the pipeline over the next few years across jurisdictions.
What does it mean for the consumer goods and retail sector?
Given the different approaches being adopted, it is prudent for businesses to stay on top of the regulations that are developing in different jurisdictions and ensure that the sustainability measures that legislators are suggesting actually align with their own paths to sustainability and the sustainability solutions they are developing.
To learn more about the global regulatory landscape on the use of plastics and its impact on the CG&R industry, tune in and listen to our latest episode of Off The Shelf. In this episode, we explore insights into the rapidly developing area of plastics regulation and examine the global regulatory landscape around limiting the use of plastics, the upcoming Global Plastics Agreement, and the impact that these evolving regulations will have on consumer goods and retail businesses.
We also recently launched our ESG Policy Guide – The Future of Sustainability Legislation for Luxury. This guide has been updated and developed in collaboration with Positive Luxury, the company behind the Butterfly Mark, a unique mark awarded to luxury lifestyle brands, retailers, and suppliers in recognition of their commitment and verified actions to create a positive impact on our world. The guide highlights evolving ESG regulations in key regions and explains how these impact the luxury, fashion, and cosmetics industries.
Visit the Off the Shelf video chat series to view all episodes.
*Trench Rossi Watanabe and Baker McKenzie have executed a strategic cooperation agreement for consulting on foreign law.
