Read below for a summary of the 8 and 15 April webinar, co-organised with Ocean Recovery Alliance, exploring how alignment between the Basel Convention and the UN Plastics Treaty can advance global plastic circularity.
Speakers:
• Douglas Woodring, Ocean Recovery Alliance
• Dr Katharina Schlegel, World Plastics Council
• Mostafa Ahmed, ISWA (8 April)
• Carlos Silva Filho, Immediate Past President, ISWA (15 April)
Moderator: Sylvie Aitken, World Plastics Council
Key Themes and Takeaways
Aligning the Basel Convention and UN Plastics Treaty – Douglas Woodring
• For either treaty to succeed, they must be aligned – particularly around the trade of plastic feedstock, which should not be classified as “waste” under the Basel Convention.
• Currently, the Basel Convention treats materials intended for recycling as “waste,” complicating circular economy efforts.
• Discussions under the UN Treaty have largely centred on reduction, reuse, and EPR – but even in a best-case scenario, these measures will only address around 30% of plastic pollution by 2040.
• Recycling (often underutilised and underfunded) will be essential to manage the remaining 70%.
• Public perception of plastic as inherently “wasteful” undermines the creation of a viable market for recycled materials.
• Proper investment in recycling systems, which has been lacking, could enable up to 80% of mismanaged plastic waste to be recovered, with over 32 million tonnes projected to be mismanaged annually by 2040.
• A reformed Basel framework could enable pre-approved, trusted trade of recyclable materials across borders, especially benefitting countries with limited recycling infrastructure.
Connecting Treaty Goals to Industry Action – Dr Katharina Schlegel
• The Global Plastics Treaty is working towards a legally binding framework to end plastic pollution, while the Basel Convention controls the transboundary movement of waste.
• The two instruments intersect on circularity, responsible trade, and global cooperation.
• Three key actions are needed:
o A stable legislative framework to unlock industry investment.
o Easier, verified international trade of recycled materials.
o Product mandates for recycled content to create long-term market demand.
• To move away from a linear model, “waste” needs to be redefined as a resource – and industry must be encouraged to invest in the right technologies.
ISWA Perspectives – Mostafa Ahmed (8 April) and Carlos Silva Filho (15 April)
• ISWA has been deeply engaged in the Treaty process since 2022, supporting governments, industry, and NGOs with waste management transitions.
• Plastic waste solutions must cover the entire lifecycle, and access to waste services should be seen as a basic human right.
• Reducing open burning and uncontrolled disposal can cut ocean plastic pollution by 50%.
• EPR must have clearly defined obligations to prevent leakage from single-use plastics.
• Global South challenges require context-specific strategies – financial, cultural, and institutional – and greater inclusion of informal waste workers.
• There is a need to clarify the distinction between “waste” and “feedstock” in both regulatory and practical terms.
Q&A Highlights
Q: Why is recycling still seen as ineffective, and how can the treaties improve this?
Douglas: The narrative that “recycling doesn’t work” is misleading – it is more accurate to say we have not invested in it properly. With supportive policies, transparency, and international alignment, recycling could address a majority of unmanaged waste.
Q: What does the industry need to expand recycling capacity?
Katharina: Willingness is there – but demand and a clear business case are key. Stable markets, policy mandates, and EPR schemes will all be needed to scale up efforts.
Q: How can waste managers and the informal sector be better supported?
Mostafa: Waste management sits at the centre of production and consumption. The informal sector plays a vital role in many countries and must be integrated into formal systems through better conditions, tools, and policy inclusion.
Q: Can Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedures under Basel be improved?
Douglas/Katharina: Yes, through digital systems, trusted trader schemes, pre-approved buyers/sellers, and clearer definitions of what materials can be traded. Modern tools like QR codes and tracking can help streamline the process while maintaining environmental protections.
Closing Remarks – Sylvie Aitken
Recycling is not the only solution – but it is an essential one. With the right frameworks in place, we can unlock investment, reduce global leakage, and create systems that serve both people and planet.