SPE and UNEP - The Global Treaty on Plastics Waste

SPE applied for, and was recently granted, accreditation with the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). SPE was accredited into the UNEA’s “scientific and technological community.” To date, only eighty-seven global organizations have received accreditation into this community with only twenty-five in the US. Accreditation provides non-governmental organizations with observer status to the Assembly, which includes the opportunity to participate in the work of the UNEA and of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

As the global community convenes in Busan for the INC-5 treaty discussions on plastics pollution, the importance of international collaboration cannot be overstated. Governments, industries, and civil societies must work together to address this complex challenge, and SPE is committed to playing a pivotal role in this effort.

Through collaboration, education, and innovation, SPE members work to address critical issues across the plastics lifecycle – from design and production to waste reduction and recycling. As UNEP moves forward with the Global Treaty on Plastic Waste, SPE is committed to being a proactive partner, ready to contribute knowledge, resources, and collaborative solutions.

How SPE Supports the Treaty Goals:

• Technical Expertise: SPE’s experts contribute essential insights into polymer and plastics science, recycling technologies, biobased materials, and sustainable product design. Our community brings the unbiased, technical depth needed to shape informed policies addressing plastic waste challenges.
• Global Education: With a history of developing impactful educational programs, SPE can support global awareness initiatives that encourage responsible plastic use, waste reduction, and improved recycling practices, empowering both industry and consumers.
• Collaborative Approach: SPE fosters connections across industry, academia, and policy, facilitating knowledge exchange.

This inclusive approach supports UNEP’s treaty objectives by encouraging scalable, sustainable solutions across the plastics value chain.

For more information and details about the Treaty, please read "Inside the Global Plastics Treaty," published in Plastics Engineering.

Supporting Policy Implementation through Knowledge Sharing

One of the primary challenges facing policymakers is the translation of both scientific and applied research into actionable policy that can effectively reduce wasted resources while maintaining economic and industrial balance. SPE, with its global membership of over 60,000 stakeholders, stands ready to provide support in this arena. Our network of subject matter experts (SMEs) delivers insightful and practical applications of plastics processing, polymer science, technologies, biobased materials, and circular economy principles. Our technical webinars, journal publications, regional events, and educational conferences serve as platforms where students and professionals can learn from leading researchers and industry experts about innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste while maintaining the utility of plastics in critical sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

Networking and Collaborative Platforms

From North America to the Gulf Region to India and Australia, SPE’s diverse global network offers unique opportunities for policymakers to connect with and learn from technical experts, researchers, and industry leaders. By fostering these connections, SPE facilitates cross-sector collaborations that drive data-driven research and potential applications for specific national or regional contexts. Our conferences and forums provide an open space for the exchange of ideas, enabling policymakers to draw on the best practices from other nations and industries that have successfully reduced plastic waste or transitioned to more sustainable materials.

Educational Resources for Inclusive Growth

The SPE Foundation supports the development of plastics professionals by funding quality educational programs, grants, and scholarships that emphasize science, engineering, sustainability, and manufacturing in an inclusive environment for students around the world. Our classroom modules cover topics such as introductory polymer science, recycling methodologies, eco-design, and advancements in biodegradable plastics. These topics, taught by our enthusiastic and dedicated instructors, provide the knowledge base necessary for informed decision-making when it comes to understanding materials, their benefits, and their environmental footprint.

Opportunities for Engagement and Support

As the global community navigates the complexities of a global plastics pollution treate, SPE remains committed to supporting countries at every stage of their policy journey. Whether through providing technical expertise, fostering partnerships, or offering capacity-building resources, SPE stands as a partner for those seeking to develop science-based, sustainable solutions.

We invite delegates attending INC-5 to explore potential collaborations with SPE. Together, we can make progress in reducing the environmental impact of plastics while promoting innovation and sustainable development. For more information, we invite you to visit our website, subscribe to our social channels, and to connect with our representatives directly at the conference.