Pakistan calls for strategic overhaul of global plastic consumption

August 13, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has put forward two major proposals under the Global Plastic Treaty, The Extended Consumer Responsibility (ECR) Framework and a Global Plastics Credit Market aimed at tackling global plastic pollution while ensuring fairness for developing nations.

Speaking at the Informal Ministerial Dialogue on “Investment Opportunities for a Circular Economy in the Context of the Global Plastic Treaty” during the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Geneva, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik highlighted stark inequalities in global plastic consumption and waste management.

He warned against turning the Global South into a dumping ground for toxic waste.

Dr. Malik pointed out that wealthy nations consume plastics at rates up to 20 times higher than many developing countries, yet export low-value, contaminated, or non-recyclable waste to poorer nations such as Pakistan under the guise of “recyclables.”

Without the advanced recycling infrastructure available in richer countries, much of this waste is dumped in open landfills, burned in communities, or ends up in rivers and seas, contaminating air, soil, and water and endangering public health.

The ECR Framework would link accountability to plastic consumption levels rather than just disposal, requiring high-consuming nations those using over 100 kilograms of plastic per person annually to contribute to a Plastic Fund that finances recycling plants, sorting facilities, and waste management technology in countries most affected by imported waste.

The Global Plastics Credit Market, modeled after carbon credit systems, would reward developing nations for tangible progress in recycling, waste collection, and prevention.

High-consuming countries could purchase these credits as part of their responsibility to curb global pollution, with the proceeds directed toward modern recycling facilities, improved waste systems, and integrating informal waste workers into safer, formal jobs.

Citing statistics, he noted that per capita plastic consumption in Western Europe reaches 150kgs annually, compared to only 7kgs in Pakistan, 8kgs in India, and 6kgs in Bangladesh.

Similar figures are seen in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where annual per capita consumption hovers between 5 and 6kgs.

Despite their low plastic use, these nations disproportionately bear the environmental impact of global waste.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it’s an issue of justice, fairness, and sovereignty,” Dr. Malik said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to lead efforts for a future free from the poisons of imported waste.

Copyright Mettis Link News