联合国贸易发展委员会-塑料污染：迫切需要天然和环保的塑料替代品（英）-2023.4-77页_3mb

Summary of Geneva Report on Plastic Pollution and Natural Substitutes

Findings

• Plastic Pollution Trends: Global plastic production is increasing, with 369 million tons traded in 2020, valued at $1.2 trillion. Production growth is driven by new projects in regions like the U.S., Africa, and Asia.
• Environmental Impact: Plastics contribute to climate change (GHG emissions), marine pollution, and biodiversity loss. Single-use plastics and fishing gear pose significant threats to oceans.
• Substitute Materials: The document identifies five key plastic waste clusters (textiles, packaging/SUPs, mulch, ALDFG, fishing gear) and lists 282 HS codes for potential natural substitutes, grouped into HS Chapters 44, 47, 48, 51, 53, and 76.

Economic Viability

• Price and Trade Barriers: Plastic substitutes face higher import tariffs (5–25%) compared to plastics (mostly below 10%), making them less competitive. Example: Paper straws face a 13.3% average tariff, while plastic straws face 7.7%.
• Policy Implications: Tariffs and non-tariff measures (NTMs) hinder market access. Reducing tariffs and aligning trade policies could incentivize substitution.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

• Environmental Trade-offs: Substitutes’ suitability varies by product and region. Natural fibers like jute outperform plastics in LCA when reused, but agricultural byproducts may have higher environmental footprints.
• Key Considerations: LCA must account for litter, health impacts, long-term ecosystem effects, and supply chain disruptions.

Trade Considerations

• HS Code Limitations: Many substitutes lack specific HS codes, complicating trade tracking. Revisions to the system are needed for better monitoring.
• NTM Challenges: Around 40% of imported substitutes face NTMs, particularly for natural fibers and agricultural byproducts, increasing compliance costs.

Limitations and Recommendations

• Data Scarcity: Comprehensive global data on substitutes is lacking. More research is needed to identify innovative materials (e.g., squid ring teeth proteins, algae-based polymers).
• Enabling Conditions:
  • Strengthen international cooperation to harmonize trade policies and HS codes.
  • Promote R&D and financial instruments for sustainable substitutes.
  • Ensure inclusive transitions, addressing gender impacts and labor market changes.

Conclusion

Plastic pollution requires an urgent transition toward sustainable substitutes, supported by policy measures addressing trade barriers, LCA frameworks, and investment in circular economy initiatives.