Q&A: Why a global plastics treaty would benefit Africa

From the newsletter

With just weeks before countries reconvene to negotiate a binding Global Plastics Treaty, Piotr Barczak, Circular Economy Programme Manager at Africa Circular, says the agreement could transform Africa. Beyond tackling waste, he says the treaty could address the continent’s role as a dumping ground for plastic waste from wealthier nations.

• Mr Barczak believes a Global Plastics Treaty could help level the playing field by setting binding targets for plastic reduction, promoting international collaboration and encouraging innovation in plastic alternatives. 

• In an interview, he notes the fight against plastic pollution has shifted from simple waste management to broader sustainability goals, such as reducing plastic production, improving product durability and boosting circular economy models.

More details

This interview was first published by Environnementales

What is at stake today in the fight against plastic pollution, whose objectives have evolved over the years, moving from simple waste management to more global, sustainable management ?

Piotr Barczak: The fight against plastic pollution has evolved significantly from mere waste management to a broader, more holistic approach centred around production and consumption. Today, the objectives include reducing plastic production, increasing alternative reusable options to deliver our consumables, increasing durability of plastics by increasing durability of products, improving recyclability and overall fostering circular economy models that minimise waste generation.

 Despite these advancements, significant obstacles persist, including inadequate infrastructure for waste collection and recycling in many regions, insufficient consumer awareness and the pervasive presence of single-use plastics in everyday life. Overcoming these challenges requires coordinated efforts across governments, industries and communities to implement effective policies, invest in sustainable technologies, sustainable trade and extended producer responsibility policies that contribute to upstream solutions and educate the public about responsible consumption.

Also, as someone with over 13 years’ experience in developing circular economy policies, particularly for Africa, what could change with the adoption of a global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution, especially for Africa, which in addition to lagging behind in its waste management, is today considered to be the dustbin of Western countries? 

Piotr Barczak: Such a treaty would set binding targets for plastic reduction, encourage international cooperation on waste management and promote innovation in plastic alternatives. Its adoption could significantly impact Africa, addressing not only waste management deficiencies but also reducing the continent’s role as a dumping ground for plastic waste from developed nations. 

Beyond a global Plastics Treaty, several urgent actions are needed to combat plastic waste pollution comprehensively. These include targeted regulations on single-use plastics, investment in recycling infrastructure, promotion of eco-design in product manufacturing and consumer education. The focus is primarily on reducing the most problematic plastics, such as single-use packaging and microplastics, which pose significant environmental and health risks. For Africa, adopting these measures could catalyse sustainable development, reduce environmental degradation and enhance resource efficiency through circular economy practices.

At your level, how are you contributing to the success of this fight (projects you are involved in) ?

Piotr Barczak: Our organisation, Africa Circular, contributes to the fight against plastic pollution by developing policies packaged in high level strategies called Circular Economy Roadmaps and Action Plans. We developed one at the continental level for the African Union Commission. Previously we developed them for Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria. Currently we work with governments of Chad, Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt and Morocco to prepare their own national strategies on this matter. 

These initiatives aim to integrate sustainable practices into economic development strategies, promote local initiatives and support communities in transitioning to circular business models. Additionally, I collaborate with international partners such as Prevent Waste Alliance, European Environmental Bureau and International Council for Circular Economy to advocate for policy changes, share best practices and implement pilot projects that demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of circular economy approaches in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. At the local level I work with the Polish Zero Waste Association to help implement the deposit return system in Poland and revise the EPR policies to better serve the upstream solutions to waste management.

Finally, what’s the message for those who persist in polluting the environment with impunity ? And what consequences might their irresponsible actions have for nature in the long term ?

Piotr Barczak: The message is clear: irresponsible actions have far-reaching consequences for nature and future generations. Continued pollution leads to degraded ecosystems, loss of biodiversity and exacerbates climate change. The long-term consequences include compromised human health, economic instability and social inequality. Therefore, environmental stewardship and responsible consumption are not just moral imperatives but essential for sustaining our planet’s health and ensuring a livable future for all.