Cracking the Code on Plastic Circularity: The Good, The Bad, and The Bureaucratic

This episode was a bit delayed, but Jon Smieja brought the goods on what exactly went down at the UN Plastics Treaty in 2024.

You can listen to the whole interview wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe on Substack at www.packagingisawesome.com

Don't want to listen to the whole thing? Well, don't you worry, ChatGPT and Deciphr.ai have you covered. Have a read:

Key Takeaways (A.K.A. Why You Should Keep Reading):

?? The UN plastics treaty is more like a tug-of-war than a negotiation—high-ambition nations vs. petro-power players. ?? Packaging regulations are a global patchwork quilt, and it’s costing companies time, money, and sanity. ?? Policy isn’t just red tape—it can be a springboard for real innovation (if done right).

Plastic Treaty Negotiations: A Global Standoff

If you thought your last office meeting was tense, imagine being in the room for the UN plastics treaty negotiations. The divide? A "High Ambition Coalition" (think South America, Africa, the EU, and others) pushing for bold action—production caps, phasing out problematic chemicals, and a financial mechanism to help countries transition.

Then there’s the "Like-Minded Countries" (a.k.a. petrochemical powerhouses) saying, "Let’s focus on waste management, not production limits." Translation: “Keep the taps running, but we’ll clean up the spills.”

As John Smieja, VP of Circularity at Trellis Group, put it, this dynamic leads to an all-too-familiar diplomatic gridlock: "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed." Sound familiar? Yep. Progress is slow, and in the meantime, the plastic keeps piling up.

Packaging Standards: A Mess of Red Tape (and Waste)

Ever tried complying with sustainability regulations across multiple countries? It’s like playing a game where the rules change every five minutes. Adam Peek highlights how state-by-state (or country-by-country) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws create a logistical nightmare for businesses.

Different standards mean inefficiencies, waste, and—surprise!—higher costs. The solution? A global playbook. Imagine a world where companies don’t have to navigate a regulatory maze just to put out a sustainable product. Industry pros argue that harmonized regulations could unlock real innovation, freeing companies from the burden of compliance micromanagement.

Smieja adds that coupling EPR laws with bottle return systems (and other smart policies) could actually increase recycling rates rather than just checking a box. Makes sense, right?

Policy: The Unsung Hero (or Villain) of Innovation

Here’s the plot twist: Policy isn’t just about restrictions—it can be the fuel that drives real breakthroughs. Smieja argues that well-structured policies force industries to innovate faster than they might on their own. If businesses know what’s coming, they can invest in scalable solutions rather than patchwork fixes.

Peek adds that clear, forward-thinking policies could remove market uncertainty. Right now, companies hesitate to invest in emerging circular economy technologies because, well, who wants to be the lone guinea pig? But if policies create an environment where sustainable solutions are not just viable but incentivized, then we might see real momentum.

So, What’s Next?

The plastics problem won’t solve itself. The path forward requires: ? Global collaboration (yes, even between opposing factions). ? Smart, standardized policies that encourage—not stifle—innovation. ? Industry leadership that moves beyond compliance and into proactive solutions.

The Trellis Group and similar initiatives are proving that when businesses, policymakers, and innovators actually talk to each other, real change can happen. The future of circularity in packaging isn’t just about eliminating waste—it’s about rewiring the system for efficiency, sustainability, and (dare we say?) profitability.

?? Ready to rethink packaging? Let’s get to work.