1、BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTSASSESSING POLLUTION RISK AND ELIMINATION FEASIBILITY OF PLASTIC PRODUCTSTOWARDS A TREATY TO END PLASTIC POLLUTION WWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS3Cover photo:JShutterstockContents page photo:Patrick Bentley/WWF-USCONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY 41.0 INT

2、RODUCTION 9 1.1.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES 10 1.2.METHODOLOGY 112.0 IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRODUCT GROUPS 173.0 ASSESSING POLLUTION RISKS OF PRODUCT GROUPS 25 3.1.PACKAGING 28 3.2.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS 30 3.3.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS 32 3.4.PRIMARY MICROPLASTICS 32 3.5.PRIORITISING HIGH-RISK

3、 PLASTIC PRODUCT GROUPS 344.0 CLASSIFYING PRIORITISED HIGH-RISK PRODUCT GROUPS BY ELIMINATION FEASIBILITY 37 4.1.ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF ELIMINATING PRODUCT GROUPS 39 4.2.CLASS I AND CLASS II PLASTIC PRODUCT GROUPS 445.0 CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS 476.0 APPENDIX 50WWF International Rue Mauverne

4、y 28 1196 Gland Switzerland www.wwf.panda.org Eunomia Research&Consulting Ltd 37 Queen SquareBristolBS1 4QSUnited Kingdomwww.eunomia.co.uk One of the worlds largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations,with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100

5、 countries.WWFs mission is to stop the degradation of the planets natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by conserving the worlds biological diversity,ensuring the sustainable use of renewable natural resources,and promoting the reduction of pollution a

6、nd wasteful consumption.Eunomia was founded in 2001 with the aim of working with clients to develop credible,intelligent solutions that support a more sustainable future.Over the past 20 years they have worked with hundreds of prominent public and private sector organisations in the UK,Europe,North

7、America and beyond to make a positive impact.Their experienced consultants work in partnership with clients,offering a deeply personal service based on their specific requirements,seeking to create long-term partnerships which drive genuine change.WWF:Huy Ho Huu,Silje Woxholth Srfonn,Eirik S.Lindebj

8、erg,John Duncan,Elena Khishchenko.Eunomia Research and Consulting:Daniel Stunell,Ayesha Bapasola,Tom Crick,Cassidy McLean-House,Steve Watson,Nicola AingerEnder Ergn&Hakan LokanoluThis report has been commissioned by WWF and produced by Eunomia Research&Consulting,with additional insight from WWFs pl

9、astics team.To quote this report,please use the following reference:WWF(2023),Breaking down high-risk plastic products.Published in May 2023 by WWF.Any reproduction in full or in part must mention the title of the report and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner.2023 by WWF;All

10、 rights reservedWorld Wide Fund for Nature(WWF)Eunomia Research and Consulting AcknowledgementsDisclaimerDesign byWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS5EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe UN Environment Assemblys decision,in March 2022,to start international negotiations on a plastic pollution treaty marked

11、 a watershed moment.Following a successful first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee(INC),states and other stakeholders are now committing to paper what the new treaty should contain.As states prepare for the INCs second session in Paris,France,the key questions are exactly what t

12、he new treaty should regulate and how.The significance of these questions cannot be overstated.Too often,efforts to negotiate multilateral environmental agreements have resulted in little more than vague statements of intent.To shape the new treaty on plastic pollution into an effective instrument o

13、f international law,states and other stakeholders will have to identify,adopt,and implement a set of specific control measures targeting the most important drivers of such pollution.The objective of this research commissioned by WWF and conducted by Eunomia is to identify and prioritize plastic prod

14、uct groups with the highest pollution risk,and the control measures that would be most suitable to address them.This research thus aims to provide a deep dive into one core component of the treaty.This research contributes with the following assessments:Plastic products are placed in groups based on

15、 their properties,uses and pathways to the environment,and assessed against criteria of pollution probability and impacts.The prioritized high-risk product groups are classified into Class I and Class II,based on an assessment of the feasibility for elimination or reduction in the use of plastic pro

16、ducts within each product group.Class I contains product groups with High feasibility of elimination,or at least significant reduction in use,according to available evidence at the time of assessment.Class II contains product groups that cannot be targeted for significant reduction or elimination at

17、 the time of assessment.Control measures will be needed to ensure and maximize the responsible circulation of these plastic products,and the plastic they contain,throughout the plastic chain,and responsible management when further safe and non-toxic circulation is not possible.A range of control mea

18、sures,following the hierarchy of elimination,reduction,safe circulation and safe management,are assessed to identify those that are best suited to tackle different Class I and Class II product groups:preventing,reducing and controlling the direct or indirect introduction of these plastic products in

19、to the environment and the resultant harms.The research results are presented in two reports.Report One,Breaking down high-risk plastic products,identifies high-level product groups groups with distinct descriptions that can be used for the purpose of regulation,across the range of plastic products

20、in circulation.Pollution risks and the feasibility of pursuing a significant reduction or elimination strategy by 2035 are assessed,based on current knowledge,to identify and finalize these product groups,and place them in either Class I or Class II.Report Two,Regulating high-risk plastic products,i

21、dentifies the potential control measures available for Class I and Class II objectives and considers the suitability of these approaches for each product group.Together,the reports provide both:A framework for assessing the urgency,need and feasibility of control measures,and what those control meas

22、ures could be;and An assessment,based on current evidence,of how product groups can be treated within that framework to guide negotiators.FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONSControls for specific product groups have the potential to be a core part of the global treaty to prevent plastic pollution.This study

23、 shows that it is not only feasible but also desirable to break the plastic pollution problem into specific categories for regulation,enabling the new treaty to establish the most effective regulatory approach for each category.The complex global problem of addressing plastic pollution can be overco

24、me by systemically dividing and tackling specific plastic categories with global regulations.The suitable regulatory approaches for different product groups,as assessed by the study,should be considered as core obligations and control measures in the treaty.They include bans and phase-outs,reduction

25、 targets,economic instruments,standards and requirements,extended producer responsibility schemes and deposit return schemes.The studys identification and prioritization of the product groups,meanwhile,provide early inputs to what the associated annexes of those measures should include.As further ev

26、idence emerges in future,additional control measures may be warranted,focused on additional plastic product groups.Similarly,as new solutions emerge,the ability to act aggressively to eliminate,reduce,circulate or manage plastics may justify additional actions.The new treatys ability to evolve by am

27、ending annexes and adding protocols could be crucial for the global communitys long-term efforts to tackle plastic pollution.Product controls will not be the only component of the treaty,and its overall impact will be determined by not simply the range and ambition of agreed measures,but how they fi

28、t together with each other and with other aspects of the treaty.Bans and phase-outs of certain types of polymers and additives,general obligations related to total plastic production and consumption,as well as supporting measures such as a strong financial mechanism,will be crucial complementary ele

29、ments to product-specific controls.KEY CONCLUSIONS OF REPORT ONE This report identifies 17 core product groups that share similar risk features and suitability for regulation.This approach proves to be the best way to think about the full range of plastic products that may be in scope for global con

30、trols and can be used to inform any annexes in the new treaty.The groups are kept broad to ensure coverage of products and reduce risk of loopholes.The product group approach still allows scope to additionally regulate specific products within groups,or further subdivide groups where this adds value

31、.A risk-based analysis of these product groups shows that certain products are greater contributors to plastic pollution than others and must be the immediate priority for regulation.Product controls should follow a hierarchy that prioritizes elimination,then reduction,then safe circulation,and then

32、 safe management.A feasibility assessment showed that not all product groups identified as high priority in the risk-based analysis can currently be eliminated or significantly reduced without negative consequences.The product groups are placed in two classes,depending on the controls needed under t

33、he treaty:Class I controls focus on elimination or significant reduction of product groups,or plastic within them:these cover certain single-use packaging,certain single-use items,and microplastics intentionally added to products.Class II controls focus on safe circulation and safe management of pro

34、duct groups where elimination is not currently feasible.This may be because of significant risks of unintended environmental consequences(in particular the risk of substitution of equally or more damaging non-plastic alternatives),or because the technical or socioeconomic feasibility of eliminating

35、these product groups is not yet proven.Further research identifying and demonstrating solutions could justify reassessment in these cases.The prioritization and assessment framework used here can be reapplied in future if the evidence relating to risks or feasibility for existing product groups chan

36、ges,or if additional product groups are separated out for more detailed regulation.Report Two identifies the product controls that are justified based on current knowledge and needed in the new treaty to end plastic pollution.WWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS7DEFINITION OF KEY TERMSPlease

37、 note that the following definitions are specific to this research and its purposes,and do not follow the definitions contained in the UNEP Glossary of Terms for Negotiators of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.1Category a set of plastic product groups,sharing some common features and treated to

38、gether for the purpose of analysis.Class a set of plastic product groups,with membership determined by whether reducing or eliminating their production,consumption and trade would result in significant negative consequences.Compostable and biodegradable there is no agreed definition for these terms,

39、the requirements for such a definition are discussed in Reducing harm in the environment under Section 4.3 of Report Two(Regulating high-risk plastic products)Disposal this research uses the term disposal to mean the landfilling and incineration of waste.This is distinct from the Basel Convention de

40、finition of disposal,which includes recovery operations,including recycling.Environmentally sound waste management as defined by the Basel Convention,waste management is environmentally sound when it takes all practicable steps to ensure that hazardous wastes or other wastes are managed in a manner

41、which will protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects which may result from such wastes.2Essential use a term used in other environmental treaties for uses that are necessary for the health,safety or are critical for the functioning of society(encompassing cultural and inte

42、llectual aspects);and there are no available technically and economically feasible alternatives or substitutes that are acceptable from the standpoint of environment and health.3 This report frequently uses the term necessary as an alternative,see necessary product as discussed below.Microplastics p

43、lastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter,including nano-sized particles.4Necessary products-products that are currently important,or where substitution or plastics now might have unintended consequences,but where use of either the product,or of plastic within the product,could potentially already

44、 be reduced or could potentially be pursued longer term.These are more limited than those of essential use.Plastic pollution details of how this term is defined for this research are in Section 1.2.In summary,it is defined firstly by the introduction of plastic into the environment and secondly by t

45、he negative effects resulting from this.Pollutant a substance or a group of substances that may be harmful to the environment or to human health on account of its properties and of its introduction into the environment.5 Plastic plastic is a solid material which contains as an essential ingredient o

46、ne or more high-molecular mass polymers,and which is formed(shaped)during either manufacture of the polymer or the fabrication into a finished product by heat and/or pressure.Plastics have material properties ranging from hard and brittle to soft and elastic6.Plastic product in this research,we see

47、a plastic product as a type of item made from or containing plastic that is manufactured for sale or distribution,including plastic packaging and single-use items,as well as items designed to have longer use-phases.High-risk plastic products details of how this term is defined for this report are in

48、 Section 1.2.In summary,high-risk plastic products are those product groups most likely to be directly or indirectly introduced into the environment,and to cause resultant negative effects.Product group a set of plastic products sharing intended functions,characteristics and patterns of use.Recycled

49、 content in this research,recycled plastic content means post-consumer recycled(PCR)content,meaning plastic that has been recycled from plastic products placed on the market.This is distinct from post-industrial recycled(PIR)content,which is plastic that has been recycled from plastic waste arising

50、during the plastic manufacturing process.Safely managed plastic products are considered to be safely managed at end-of-life when they are captured and treated by waste management systems in such a way that they are neither directly nor indirectly introduced into the environment,and that any potentia

51、l negative effects resulting from their management are avoided.This definition aligns with the Basel Conventions definition of environmentally sound waste management,7 but focuses more on preventing plastic products from being lost to the environment and generating plastic pollution.Sam Hobson/WWF-U

52、KWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS9 Nigel Cattlin/CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTIONWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS111.2.METHODOLOGYTo identify the plastic product groups with high pollution risks,and classify them as either Class I or Class II,the methodology shown in Figure 1-2 was adop

53、ted.Steps 1-4 are detailed further in this report,while steps 5-7 are discussed in Report Two.1.Develop:A framework of pollution risk assessment criteria was developed to identify the most high-risk plastic product groups,based on two broad metrics:probability that the products enter the environment

54、,and the impacts when products do enter the environment.See Section 3.0 for more details.2.Categorize:High-level categories of plastic products were identified,and then further split into subgroups as necessary,to reflect the performance of specific plastic products against the assessment criteria a

55、nd based on their specific characteristics and use patterns.For example,from the high-level grouping of packaging,the subgroups of contact sensitive and non contact sensitive were subsequently defined,with contact sensitive then further split into single-use food and beverage,multi-use food and beve

56、rage and other.This was an iterative process.See Section 2.0 for more details.3.Assess:The previously identified product groups were then assessed against the metrics described above,each broken down into a set of criteria.The product groups were assessed against these criteria using a traffic light

57、 performance rating system(where red=high risk,amber=moderate,yellow=low).Product groups with the highest combined ratings in terms of both probability of entering the environment and impacts once in the environment were identified as high-risk plastic product groups.See Section 3.0 for more details

58、.4.Classify:The resulting high-risk plastic product groups were then assessed to determine the feasibility of control measures to entirely eliminate or significantly reduce their use.This metric encompassed three criteria relating to technical feasibility,socioeconomic feasibility and the likelihood

59、 of unintended consequences,with feasibility of eliminating the product group assessed as either low,medium or high.Based on this,the product groups were further classified into Class I or Class II.See Section 4.3 for more details.The chosen focus and concepts applied in these reports the defining f

60、actors of pollution,plastic product groups as the units of analysis,and prioritization based on risk are explained below.1.1.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThe intergovernmental negotiation to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution,including in the marine environment(

61、referred to as the treaty for the rest of this report)is currently underway and expected to conclude by the end of 2024.WWF aims to contribute to the growing body of research on the global solutions to plastic pollution8 and provide evidence-based recommendations to support the development of an eff

62、ective treaty.In November 2022,WWF published overarching recommendations for designing the treatys core obligations:9 The use of specific,binding global rules to solve the global plastic pollution problem.The use of control measures across the plastic life cycle to:Eliminate and reduce the productio

63、n of certain high-risk plastic categories Ensure and maximize the effective,safe and non-toxic circulation of the plastics that are produced Strengthen environmentally sound management of the plastics that end up as waste.Prioritization to address plastic types that constitute the largest portion of

64、 plastic pollution.With the expected timeframe of finalizing the treatys text by the end of 2024,it is imperative that the negotiation moves as soon as possible from the abstract to specifics.The objective of this current research commissioned by WWF and conducted by Eunomia is to identify the speci

65、fic plastic products that most urgently require international interventions,and the most appropriate measures to tackle them.This was achieved through the assessment of firstly the pollution risks and then the feasibility for elimination of each product group.The final treaty will potentially have o

66、ther components among its key elements,such as provisions to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers of concern,10 eliminate and restrict specific plastic polymers and chemicals,11 and more.This analysis is meant to provide clear recommendations for one important element of the treaty,rath

67、er than to detract from those other elements.The treatys goal to end plastic pollution will likely require several complementary approaches this is one of them.Indeed,many controls at product-group level will be more effective if also linked to control measures that target plastic materials more gen

68、erally.Alongside the product-group controls identified and assessed through this research,detailed proposals for such measures should be developed to support the treaty negotiation.The results of this research are presented in two connected reports:Report One,Breaking down high-risk plastic products

69、,sets out a framework for identifying and prioritizing plastics products with high pollution risk.It then provides an assessment of their pollution risks,and feasibility for elimination and reduction,and classifies them in accordance with this assessment.Report Two,Regulating high-risk plastic produ

70、cts,identifies control measures that are suitable to tackle those plastic product groups identified as high risk in Report One.Figure 1-2:Diagram of the methodologyRisk AssessmentFeasibility AssessmentHigh Risk Action urgentClass IProduct,or plastic within product,can be eliminated or significantly

71、reduced with current solutionsClass I IControl measures can improve circulation and management of product in ways that reduce plastic pollutionLow Risk Action less urgentFigure 1-1:Assessment of risk and feasibilityReport OneIterationsReport Two1.Develop Develop a framework of assessment criteria:pr

72、obability/impact 2.Categorize Categorize plastics into meaningful product groups to form the units of analysis3.Assess Assess categories to identify high-risk plastics 4.Classify Classify problematic plastics into Class I or Class II 5.Identify Identify control measures6.Asses Assess control measure

73、s 7.Determine Determine suitable control measures for Class I and Class IIWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS13PLASTIC PRODUCTS AS UNITS OF ANALYSISThis research developed a product-based approach to categorize high-risk plastics.This means that plastics are categorized into product groups,

74、based on their intended functions,characteristics and patterns of use.The aim is to identify product groups that make sense to consider together in terms of use,impacts and the suitability of control measures.The key rationale was that the function,characteristics and usage patterns of the products

75、are what determine their likelihood of becoming plastic pollution.More details on the product groups can be found in Chapter 2 and the Appendix.A key advantage of the product-group approach is that it allows the treaty to tackle large groups of products,regardless of their chemical composition,as lo

76、ng as they pose high pollution risk.The approach helps ensure that the new treatys provisions give proper consideration to specific groups of plastic products;a feature that is missing in existing treaties such as the Basel Convention(on hazardous waste)and the Stockholm Convention(on Persistent Org

77、anic Pollutants).Those treaties focus on plastic-relevant waste and chemicals more generally and have not sufficiently addressed the issue of potential product specific controls.Another possible and potentially complementary route to categorizing plastic would be based on either polymer type or life

78、-cycle stage.The use of a polymer-based approach would,for example,lend itself to the identification of plastic products for which regulations focus on the use substances such as chemicals and additives that have a toxic effect on human health.This approach could work in parallel with the product-gr

79、oup approach:polymers and chemicals could be added to separate lists,alongside lists of product groups,in the annexes that elaborate on the applicable scope of the treatys core provisions.Controls by lifecycle stage may also complement a product group approach.Report Two highlights that some control

80、 measures may be usefully applied in common across multiple product groups at certain stages in the plastic value chain.In this research,polymer type and additives,as well as life-cycle stage,are considered when and if they increase the probability of the plastic products ending up in the environmen

81、t and/or the potential harms when they do.INTERPRETING THE TERM PLASTIC POLLUTIONFor the current research,two specific features of plastic pollution have been selected as key to assess the plastic products and the risk they pose:1.The direct or indirect introduction of the pollutant into environment

82、al mediums(i.e.,water,air,soil,etc.)1.The resultant deleterious effects,which could include harms to humans(including human health),other living species and the environment.Multilateral environmental agreements that have defined the term pollution or pollutant have included these as two defining fea

83、tures for such terms.These agreements include Barcelona Convention(originally adopted in 1976,amended in 1995),Prevention and Emergency Protocol(1976,under Barcelona Convention),Kuwait Regional Convention(1978),Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution(1979),Jeddah Convention(1985),Noumea

84、 Convention(1990)and Kyiv Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers(2003,under Aarhus Convention).In line with the two key elements identified above,the focus of the current research is more focused on the physical release of plastics into the environment.In considering plastic pollution,

85、both micro and macro plastics are included.In the assessment of risks and harms,the research also considers chemical properties that impact either of these two defining factors of pollution,alongside other specific harms associated with particular groups of plastic products.This research consistentl

86、y shows that even when the problem analysis zooms in on priority high-risk product groups,the causes are frequently similar across product groups.Systemic failures throughout the plastic life cycle(including design,production,distribution,use and end-of-life)are driving all aspects of plastic pollut

87、ion.See Table 1-1 below.Table 1-1:Process flowPROCESSESEXAMINATION OF THE SYMPTOMSDIAGNOSIS OF THE ROOT CAUSESPRESCRIPTION FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENTTHE SUBJECT OF THE PROCESSPlastic products most likely to cause plastic pollutionSystem failures across the plastic product life cycleSolutions acros

88、s groups of products to prevent,reduce and control plastic pollutionTHE SPECIFICS OF ASSESSMENT Direct and indirect introduction into the environment,including the marine environment Direct and indirect introduction into the environment,including the marine environment The deleterious effects on hum

89、an health and the environment,resulting from its introduction into the environment Prevalence and concentrations of plastics in certain product groups Pathways to the environment Patterns of production,consumption,management,and disposal Failures in product design,systems and practices that lead to

90、pollution Interventions at key points to stop the system failures,taking into account waste hierarchy,life-cycle approach Efficiency,feasibilityandco-benefitsofinterventionsOUTCOMES OF ASSESSMENT Plastic product groups that are most likely to end up in the environment Plastic product groups that pre

91、sent the greatest potential for deleterious effects on human health and the environment High-risk products designs,properties,materials High-risk patterns of production,consumption,management and disposal Lack of product circularity(reusability,reparability recyclability,recycled content)Lack of sys

92、tems to enable product circularity(reuse,collection and recycling systems)Lack of incentives for circular products and models/disincentives for linear models Lack of controls over waste disposal routes(openlandfills,dumping,burningofplastics)Prohibit/phase out the production,sale,distribution and us

93、e Disincentivize production and consumption Mandate requirements and standards for products and systems to increase collection,reuse and recycling Mandate requirements and standards for disclosure,transparency and traceability Mandate requirements and standards for environmentally sound waste manage

94、ment(landfillandincineration)CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONSAlthough this is the first international treaty solely focused on plastic pollution,consistency with other international treaties that cover certain products,materials or manufacturing practices is needed.This includes,in p

95、articular,the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs)and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.The Stockholm Convention defines POPs as“chemical substances that persist in the environment,bioaccumulate through the fo

96、od web,and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment.”The Stockholm Convention provides binding measures to reduce the harm of some plastic products through their life cycle,including the waste phase.Some flame retardants used in plastic production have been listed i

97、n Annex A of the convention,requiring their production and use to be eliminated by parties to the convention.12 The Basel Convention sets out parties obligations covering many forms of waste:toxic,poisonous,explosive,flammable and others.13 In May 2019,the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Conv

98、ention adopted decision BC-14/12 by which it amended Annexes II,VIII and IX of the convention in relation to plastic waste.The decision includes in its sections I,II,III and VII a set of actions for preventing and minimizing the generation of plastic waste,improving its environmentally sound managem

99、ent and controlling its transboundary movement;reducing the risk from hazardous constituents in plastic waste;and public awareness,education and information exchange.Parties may have already implemented some national waste disposal methods under Basel Convention that would otherwise be recommended c

100、ontrol measures under the plastic pollution treaty.There are similarities between technical guidance on environmentally sound management under the Basel Convention and some of the control measures proposed in for the plastics treaty;however the plastics treaty can specify particular requirements in

101、relation to product groups throughout their lifecycle as binding and detailed commitments.14Art Installation-Benjamin Von Wong-Turn off the plastic tap Markus Winkler /WWF-GermanyWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS15A RISK-BASED APPROACH TO PRIORITIZATIONCurrent data enables clear conclusio

102、ns related to the most polluting plastic product categories.It shows,with a high level of confidence,that certain product groups and indeed specific products are key contributors to plastic pollution,and that some of these pose particular risks when they end up in the natural environment.Existing da

103、ta also shows that the nature of this problem is transboundary,and only international action can solve the problem at the scale needed.This being said,it is not possible to undertake a full analysis of all plastics with the potential to be high risk as data is not always consistent or available at t

104、he level of granularity needed.In this regard,the treaty should align with the precautionary principle:while we may not fully understand the impacts of every plastic product in the terrestrial,freshwater or marine environment,we know the impacts of plastic pollution are negative,and expect(in line w

105、ith the trend to date)that furthering our understanding will highlight new and potentially more severe associated impacts.The analysis here is not expected to capture everything that the treaty may eventually be able to accomplish,but deliberately focuses on prioritizing the biggest and most urgent

106、wins.This report uses existing data in identifying high-risk plastic products based on current knowledge and identifies known risks that definitively require regulation,as shown in Figure 1-3 below.Within this risk-based approach,risk is calculated on the two dimensions of plastic pollution:Probabil

107、ity of the plastic ending up in the environment Impacts on the environment and human health when this occurs.Due to the nature of the evidence base,a number of factors are considered in the determination of both these dimensions.This is detailed in Chapter 3.Figure 1-3:Initial risk assessment dimens

108、ions to determine the urgency of action on plastic pollutions for specific product groups Environmental and health impact when plastic pollution occursHighest priority and urgency of action in the treatyPotential to incorporate into the treaty later under the start-then-strengthen approachExtent of

109、plastic pollution occurring from a product High probability ratings mean product group is more likely to:See higher volumes usedHave production,use,or disposal features of the product cycle that result in plastics entering the environment as pollutionHave evidence of transboundary relevance for the

110、treatyHigh impact ratings mean product group is more likely to:Remain in the environmentHave physical properties that encourage spread once pollution occurs.Show additional evidence ofspecificharmsfrom format or chemical composition Yawar Motion Films/WWF-PeruWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PROD

111、UCTS17 Shutterstock/cgdeaw/WWFCHAPTER 2IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRODUCT GROUPSWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS19different characteristics and usage patterns from packaging in non-contact sensitive applications).A second level of subgroupings was also needed in some cases due to distinct use

112、patterns or functions within a subgroup.For instance,food and beverage packaging is split into single-use and multi-use subgroups;while single-use products are split into the unnecessary,like balloon sticks,and the necessary,like contact lenses.This was carried out multiple times as the assessment w

113、as conducted for each subgroup.This iterative approach should ensure that the groups both make intuitive sense to negotiators and are also amenable to assessment and identification of the relevant control measures(which is the subject of Report Two).What is meant by“necessary”?The aforementioned ter

114、m“necessary”has been used to reflect the fact that some plastic products currently do not have suitable alternatives and cannot be eliminated without reducing the wellbeing of particular groups(e.g.,disposable contact lenses for sportspeople).Items that are considered“necessary”are therefore importa

115、nt,but in the long term,we could and should reduce our reliance on them.Note that this is differentiated from the term“essential”which would suggest that some plastic products might be indispensable in the long term,and therefore could be considered for exemptions from regulation.The product groups

116、are deliberately kept broad,in order to capture the wide-ranging applications and uses for the products within them.Comprehensive and exhaustive lists would be almost impossible to develop given the countless plastic materials,types and applications,and even more so to monitor and enforce(e.g.,requi

117、ring clear definitions of each plastic product,control measures prescribed at the product level,and data on the flows of each one at a global scale).This also avoids the risk that specific or novel applications,that may not be included in any detailed list of products at present,escape the new inter

118、national regulatory framework.The descriptions of the product groups below have been built up iteratively from the nature of the plastic products analysed,rather than derived from existing definitions.Table 2-1 below summarizes the plastic product groupings used in this research.Further descriptions

119、 of these are in the Appendix.A previous WWF study shows that practically all plastics found in the marine environment belong to three types:single-use plastics,fishing gear and microplastics(see Figure 2-1).15 Further analysis of the specific plastic products within these types could reveal the rea

120、son why.The sectors,functions,characteristics and usage patterns of these products stand out as the likely explanation.These products belong to sectors or serve functions that are ubiquitous(such as packaging);are particularly prone to exposure and risk of loss to the environment(such as fishing gea

121、r);have short use patterns(single-use non-packaging items);or possess characteristics that lead to microplastic pollution(being primary microplastics themselves,or easily releasing secondary microplastics in use and as waste).These factors indicate that there are commonalities between products that

122、pose high pollution risks.This observation became the starting point of this research,which commences by surveying the full range of existing functions,characteristics and usage patterns of different plastic products,recognizing their points of commonality,and grouping them to allow for interpretati

123、on and regulation at a product group level.A sectoral approach was first used to group products.The sectors of packaging,fisheries and aquaculture,and agriculture each comprise products that share features(in design,application,and impacts)and can be placed in distinct groups.The unique function and

124、 mostly similar use patterns of plastic packaging set it apart from other sectors.For fisheries and aquaculture,as well as agriculture,the specific placement and use of plastic products in the environment set these sectors apart.Other sectors such as electrical and electronic equipment,household goo

125、ds(such as furniture),construction materials,automotive components(though with a partial exception for tyres)tend to use plastic products that typically see longer use-span,low mobility if they escape to the environment,and less frequent direct disposal in the environments.These are placed together

126、one product group for this analysis but could be further sub-divided by negotiators when controls for these products are prioritised.However,a pure sectoral approach to product grouping is limited.Products used across multiple sectors could result in high pollution risk because of specific character

127、istics.Recognizing this,the analysis created additional groups for products that are designed to be short-lived and disposable,and those that release microplastics during their use.Finally,primary microplastics constitute a product group in their own right,since their properties,usage patterns and p

128、athways to the environment are distinct from those of other products.Four main categories were recognized for further subgrouping:packaging,characteristic-specific products,sector-wide applications,and microplastics.Packaging refers to products,made wholly of plastic materials or of plastic material

129、s in combination with other materials,that are used to contain,protect,handle,deliver and present goods at all points of the value chain,i.e.,from raw materials to finished goods,and from the producer to the user or consumer.Sector-specific products are grouped together where the sector the plastic

130、products are intended for is a key determinant of whether a significant proportion will be used or disposed of directly in or close to sensitive ecosystems,including aquatic,marine and terrestrial environments.Characteristic-specific products include plastic products that do not belong to specific s

131、ectors but are brought together based on characteristics that increase pollution risks(such as single-use non-packaging items,or products with longer use-span that release secondary microplastics during use).Further subgroupings were developed after the elimination feasibility assessment,as some sub

132、groups within the larger group require differentiated controls.Primary microplastics are tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in size,of various shapes,and manufactured for use in plastic products(sometimes referred to as preproduction plastics),or to be added to plastic or non-plastic products(e.g.,mic

133、robeads in cosmetics,industrial abrasives and paints,etc.).These are distinguishable from secondary microplastics,which arise from the fragmentation of larger plastic items over time.During the process of forming these groupings,it became essential to split some of them further into subgroups,to ref

134、lect additional distinctions within the broader product groups(e.g.,the use of packaging in contact-sensitive applications,like food and beverages or pharmaceuticals,which have Source:PEWandSYSTEMIQ,2020;Note:Volumeofplasticfishinggearproduction is indicative only given lack of reliable global estim

135、ates.Absolute volumeoffishinggearleakedfollowspreviousWWFestimatedranges,whileacknowledgingsomesourcesfindsignificantlyhigherproportionsoffishinggearinmarinesamples(80%oftheGreatPacificGarbagePatch,TheOceanCleanup Project,2022).Figure 2-1:Marine plastic pollution is caused by specific products and a

136、pplicationsGlobal plastic production(Mt)Microplastics from tyre abrasion,plastic pellets,paint,textiles,and personal care productsDurables,including plastics used in construction,textiles,transportation manufacturing,machinery,and multi-use household goodsMultimaterials,including sachets,laminated p

137、aper,and other multilayer flexiblesRigid monomaterials,including plastic bottles,tubs,trays,and other food service disposables Flexible monomaterials,including films and carrier bagsFishing gear,including nets,rope,and pots Global ocean plastic leakage(Mt)60%Single-use Plastics3%Fishing Gear3%Microp

138、lastics33%Durables9.7 Mt leakageSingle-use Plastics70%of marine leakageFishing GearAt least 0.6-1.2 Mt leakage3.2 Mt leakageMicroplastics7%of marine leakage20%of marine leakageof marine leakage1%WWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS21Table 2-1:Plastic product group categoriesPRODUCT GROUPINGS

139、UB-GROUP 1SUB-GROUP 2SUB-GROUP 3EXAMPLES1.PackagingContact sensitiveFood and Beverage1a.Single-use food&beverageBeverage bottles,takeaway containers,crisp packets,sachets and pouches,nets and wraps for fruit and vegetables,very lightweight plastic carrier bags used as primary packaging for loose foo

140、d items,16EPSfishboxes1b.Multi-use food&beverageReusable beverage bottles,containers and cupsCosmetics&personal care1c.Cosmetics&personal careToothpaste tubes,perfume spray bottles,shampoo and soap bottles,pots and tubs of creams,lotions and scrubs,beauty products like lipstick and mascara tubes 1d.

141、Pharmaceutical&medicalMedication bottles,blister packs for pills,protective casings and inserts for medical devices,IV bags,test tubes1e.OthercontactsensitivePackaging for animal feed,veterinary devices,hazardous products 1f.Non-contact sensitivePackaging for products not listed above household good

142、s,stationery,electronics,plastic carrier bags,etc.,including secondary or shipping/transport packaging where relevant2.Characteristic-specific productsSingle-use Short-livedFibres/non-wovensSome absorbent hygiene products(e.g.,nappies,sanitary pads,incontinence pads,tampons),PPE,filtersinengineering

143、systemsWetwipes,cigarettebutts,disposablevacuumfilters,plasticteabagsOtherContact lenses,bin bags,plastic PPEPlastic balloons,cutlery/plates/cups,ear bud sticks,disposable e-cigarettesLonger life items2e.CausesignificantsecondarymicroplasticreleaseTyres,synthetictextiles,paint2f.OtherFurniture,white

144、 goods,durable toys3.Sector-specific products Marine,aquatic and terrestrial 3a.Marine/aquaticfishing&aquacultureNets,lines,potsandtrawls,plasticmesh,PVCpiping,fishaggregatingdevices(FADs)173b.Terrestrial agricultureMulchfilm,plasticsilagewrap,greenhousetunnels183c.OtherElectrical/electronic equipme

145、nt,construction materials,automotive components,household products4.Primary microplastics4a.In application Microbeads in personal care products such as toothpastes,skin care and scrubs;antifouling application on ship hulls;microplastics used in industrial applications such as printer inks,paints,spr

146、ay paints,injection mouldings and abrasives;microplastic coatings surrounding fertilizer granules.4b.Pre-productionPlasticresinpellets,flakesorpowdersNecessaryOtherNecessaryOther2a.Necessary2c.Necessary2b.Other2d.OtherNecessaryOtherPackagingCharacteristic-specificproductsSector-specificproductsPrima

147、ry microplasticsWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS23Deep DiveTHE CHALLENGE OF CATEGORIZING PACKAGING Categorizing packaging by product group proved challenging within this research.Packaging is a large group,accounting for 31 to 44%of plastic production,and much of it is single-use and sho

148、rt-life.The use case for consumer packaging in particular poses particularly high pollution risk(high volume of low-value,lightweight and disposable items in widespread circulation).The key challenge in regulating packaging is that,despite its high-risk nature from the perspective of plastic polluti

149、on,packaging can and does perform necessary functions.Applied well,its role in protecting and preserving products,and especially food,can help reduce overall waste and wider environmental harms,and meet wider health and safety requirements for products.Some logical splits to the packaging group are

150、possible.Firstly,a distinction between contact-sensitive and non-contact-sensitive packaging(described in greater detail in the Appendix)is likely to be useful to negotiators to avoid any unintended consequences of regulations in this product group.Additionally,the contact-sensitive category has bee

151、n broken up into subgroups based on key areas of packaging application to enable further consideration of the specific use cases for contact-sensitive packaging prior to regulation.Unlike for most other product groups,determining whether plastic packaging is necessary is usually contingent on how an

152、d where it is being used,rather than the nature of the product itself.In attempts to split packaging products into necessary and other by either product or product group,this research repeatedly found the same products to be listed in both categories(for example,some applications of plastic wrap may

153、 be performing useful functions in terms of product preservation and protection,while others may be wasteful).This challenge is reflected in packaging elimination strategies in national policy to date,which frequently:Target more specific product,polymer and application combinations,rather than prod

154、uct groups or even products(e.g.a prohibition on polystyrene takeaway boxes is both polymer and application specific rather than being a restriction on single-use containers,or even unsealed single-use containers)May not be plastic specific,to reduce substitution risks(e.g.,charges for single-use ca

155、rrier bags made of any material)Focus on reductions in the total volume of packaging,rather than in the total number of packaging items of specific products or product groups.Some control measures,such as reuse,may in fact result in both,by improving packaging circulation and management,reducing the

156、 total number of items in circulation,and reducing the total amount of plastic used in the packaging system.In addition,the assessment of the feasibility of elimination of packaging subgroups raised a number of concerns:The needed use of packaging is heavily dependent on the supply chain or national

157、 context.For example,overpackaging(e.g.,unnecessary layers or overuse of material)is a common problem.However,in some contexts,sensible use of additional packaging products might mitigate issues like supply chain food waste.If only plastic packaging is banned,risk of material substitution is relativ

158、ely high and could have significant unintended consequences given the high volumes and short life of many single-use packaging products.Over a hypothetical 10-year timeframe,alternatives to single-use packaging products do not yet appear to become sufficiently widespread to enable elimination(bans)o

159、f specific packaging subgroups within this timeframe.However,targets for reduction,as well as requirements around reuse,may contribute to more rapid changes in overall practice than currently anticipated.This could in turn gradually increase the feasibility of elimination measures,especially for foo

160、d and beverage packaging.The categories set out in the Appendix represents a compromise that takes into account these regulation challenges.Elements of both product and application are reflected in the categorization.This typology aims to facilitate discussions of cases where negotiators wish to reg

161、ulate at a more specific product level,or across the high-level packaging category as a whole.This is an area where product group controls,in isolation,will likely be insufficient.A more nuanced approach to design control measures will be necessary:potential options for such an approach are discusse

162、d in greater detail in Report Two.Michel Gunther/WWFWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS25 WWF/Juozas CerniusCHAPTER 3ASSESSING POLLUTION RISKS OF PRODUCT GROUPSWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS27The assessment of product groups pollution risks is based on the available data,liter

163、ature and expert assumptions,and considers both the evidence of actual(i.e.,existing)plastic pollution and the potential risk of pollution where direct evidence is more limited.The quality,quantity and confidence of available evidence on plastic pollution is highly variable,with low comparability ac

164、ross plastic product groups,and variations and inconsistencies at the country level.Because of this,the research uses not only aggregated or quantitative data but also other strands of evidence for each plastic product group.The assessment considers both direct evidence and supplementary logical tes

165、ts on the nature of the product and context in which it is used,where necessary,to reveal insights on the pollution probability and impact of these products.The existing evidence base has a bias towards marine(and often specifically coastal)data collection and estimates.So,despite the fact that the

166、treaty will target all plastic pollution,this study still relies on marine litter evidence.In many cases this is a good proxy for overall probability of introduction to the environment for certain product groups,but other actual or potential impacts are identified where possible.The following two se

167、ctions elaborate the assessment criteria:probability and impact.Each product group is assessed against these criteria,using a traffic light system,where red indicates high probability/impact,amber indicates medium probability/impact and yellow indicates low probability/impact.The results are summari

168、zed in the tables 3-1 to 3-4.PROBABILITY THAT PRODUCTS ENTER THE ENVIRONMENT Probability assessment is the first part in the researchs overall risk evaluation.The assessment takes into account any evidence that indicates a plastic product group is either already contributing,or is likely to contribu

169、te significantly,to plastic pollution.The probability of a product group entering the environment is assessed according to three criteria:Volume of plastics.While the volume produced/in circulation is not a direct proxy for the likelihood that product groups will enter the environment,higher volumes

170、 clearly indicate greater potential for plastic pollution.Data on production,consumption and waste is also sometimes more available and comparable than direct evidence of specific plastic products entering the environment.In the assessment,volume is not considered solely on a weight basis but is cou

171、pled with item count as a key consideration,since many product groups generate concern precisely because items arise in extremely large numbers,irrespective of individual item weight.Tendency to enter the environment.In addition to direct evidence of its presence,a number of less direct consideratio

172、ns can help identify the chances of a plastic product ending up in the environment,which is here called tendency to enter.Factors include how and where products are used,and the physical,process-related and behavioural factors that may increase the tendency of the item to end up in the environment.F

173、or example,plastic products that are used in direct contact with natural ecosystems,such as those used in fishing,aquaculture and agricultural sectors,can make recovery at end-of-life challenging even when it is intended which often it is not.Use or disposal in proximity to obvious environmental pat

174、hways,such as watercourses or coastlines,might also increase probability of plastic pollution.Some use cases involve inevitable shedding of microplastics,with no prospect of recovery.Potential for transboundary movement of plastic pollution.Although not a strict measure of probability,this dimension

175、 is considered here to test the probability that a given product group may cause international plastic pollution concern.Practically all plastics entering the environment can pose transboundary concerns,where pollution arising in one country can affect another.This is because of the lightweight,buoy

176、ant and durable nature of many plastic products,and their propensity to be transported over long distances either in water or in the air.However,in the context of an international treaty negotiation,this study adds an additional assessment criterion to ensure international relevance is demonstrable.

177、IMPACTS WHEN PRODUCTS DO ENTER THE ENVIRONMENTThe second conventional measure in a risk assessment is the harm that can occur.As with consideration of probability above,consideration of harm in this case must consider both harms already occurring and potential harms that may occur.This study first c

178、onsiders the existing evidence on the types of plastic pollution that have already been recorded in the environment and the literature around their negative effects.However,recognizing that this evidence is not always available at the level of individual product groups,and that all plastic pollution

179、 has the potential to cause harm,two additional criteria are considered.In particular,the physical properties of certain plastic products may lead to impacts that are disproportionate to the volume of plastics entering the environment(e.g.,plastics durability,buoyancy,rigidity).Additionally,the chem

180、ical properties of particular plastic products may have specific negative impacts on human health,wildlife and ecosystems,while other products may be of concern due to their socioeconomic impacts(flooding,negative impacts on industry and tourism,etc.).The specific impacts to human health,wildlife an

181、d ecosystems,and socioeconomic impacts,have been considered together.The following three criteria are used to assess negative impacts once plastic enters the environment:Prevalence.This criterion tends to correlate with the assessment of probability of leakage,and is assessed based on evidence of ac

182、tual presence of a product in the environment as plastic pollution.Products that are lightweight,buoyant,widespread and long-lived after entering the environment are likely to appear more prevalent in the evidence.High prevalence indicates a products long-lasting and widespread negative impacts.On t

183、he other hand,as evidence of prevalence is not always as extensive or granular as required for this study,limited evidence of prevalence is not used to discount the pollution probability of a product group.Physical properties.This includes a direct assessment of evidence on whether the pollution cau

184、sed by a product group occurs as micro,meso or macro plastics(or as a combination of two or all three of these),as well as logical tests to supplement cases where direct evidence of prevalence is lacking.For example,physical features(such as the ability to float or remain suspended in a water column

185、)will increase the potential for adverse impacts over time.Specific related harms.This covers cases where the nature of the product group creates additional hazards when it arises as pollution.This includes negative impacts associated with specific chemical properties(e.g.,toxicity,bioaccumulation),

186、impacts to wildlife(e.g.,ingestion,ghost fishing),implications for human health(e.g.,surface water flooding,promoting conditions for mosquito breeding)and wider economic implications(e.g.,impacts on tourism,fisheries,agriculture and other sectors).Radowan Nakif Rehan/UnsplashWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-R

187、ISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS293.1.PACKAGINGPlastic packaging is used in numerous applications and contexts,due to its versatility,durability and flexibility in application.However,in many packaging applications,these same properties are the ones that pose issues for plastic pollution.For example,plastic pac

188、kaging is often designed to be durable but lightweight to reduce transport and storage costs,and to enable the consumption of food and beverage items on the go.These same properties mean that they are more susceptible to entering the environment(as they are easily blown or washed away)and remain in

189、the environment for long periods of time when they do escape.Most plastic packaging is also of very low value relative to the products it holds,which means the packaging is more susceptible to being discarded or disposed of,rather than reused or repaired.This also increases the chances of the plasti

190、c not being collected for recycling since the resulting recyclates do not command high value.Finally,packaging that is managed in formal waste systems often poses problems for recycling,due to the wide variety of polymers,additives,adhesives and components that are used,for which suitable sorting an

191、d recycling processes rarely exist.This further lowers its value in a circular value chain.A large proportion of plastic packaging therefore ends up burned in incinerators(contributing to greenhouse gas and toxic emissions)or dumped in landfills,which themselves may be prone to leakage into the envi

192、ronment during severe weather events.The volume of packaging,and the lack of capacity for waste management systems to capture and properly deal with all types of plastic packaging,increases the probability of it ending up in nature.While national policymakers in some countries have focused on tackli

193、ng the issues associated with food and beverage packaging in recent years,there are challenges to the circularity of other packaging subgroups as well.In the case of plastic packaging for cosmetics and personal care products,for instance,there is significant variation in polymer compositions,and ser

194、ious issues with overpackaging(to make products appear larger or more premium).PACKAGING GROUPSPROBABILITYIMPACTVOLUME IN CIRCULATIONTENDENCY TO ENTERTRANSBOUNDARY RELEVANCEPREVALENCEPHYSICAL PROPERTIESSPECIFIC RELATED HARMS1A.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE SINGLE-USE FOOD AND BEVERAGE HighHighHighHigh

195、HighModerateThe biggest use of plastics is in packaging,of which the biggest application is food and beverage packaging.High chance of littering,as these are designed for single use and on the go consumption in many cases,most are lightweight and easily blownaway.Lowvalue,currentdesigndifficulttoemp

196、tyorwash and limited incentives for reuse.Buoyancy increases the likelihood of wave-driven cross-border transportation for many products.Commonly found in marine,aquatic and terrestrial litter.Prone to leakage from waste management systems.Tend to fragment and disperse.Phthalates and other substance

197、s of concern(SoCs)in packaging lids can migrate into food and beverages packed in glass,these also leak into soil and groundwater,however the use of these substances in food and beverage packaging tends to be closely regulated to ensure human safety,so risk likely to be less pronounced than for othe

198、r plastics.1B.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE MULTI-USE FOOD AND BEVERAGELowModerateHighLowLowModerateDesignedwithreuse/refillinmind,lowertendencytoentertheenvironment both due to use case and a smaller assumed total number of items for a given purpose.If it does end up in the environment,the transbound

199、ary impact is just as high as for the single-use items,though current volumes mean this is not yet a significantissueNot commonly found in litter and are less likely to fragment compared to single-use products.Phthalates and other SoCs in packaging lids for glass containers can migrate into food and

200、 beverages,and leak into soil and groundwater.However,the use of these substances in food and beverage packaging tends to be closely regulated to ensure human safety,so risk likely to be less pronounced than for other plastics1C.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE ModerateModerat

201、eHighModerateModerateModerateTend to be consumed in the home,and thus relatively less pronetoentertheenvironment;withsomeexceptionsforspecificusecasesonthego(likesunscreen,travelsizes,shampoo sachets,etc).However most items designed for singleuse,noteasytoempty/refill,andoftenunrecyclableduetouseofc

202、omplex/compositematerials.Ifitemsdoendupinthe environment,the likelihood of transboundary impact is just as high as for equivalent packaging formats.Current data shows that these are sometimes found in litter,though not as commonly as food and beverage packaging.This is likely due to leakage from wa

203、ste management systems rather thandirectlittering,thoughtherearesomeexceptionsforformatslike sachets.These packaging formats are likely to fragment and degrade in the environment,though can be more durable in design than food and beverage packaging(as packaging in 1c is more often designed to hold p

204、roduct/dispense products for a longer in-use period)and so may take longer to do so.1D.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICALModerateModerateHighLowModerateModerateTend to stay within waste management systems from hospitals or the home.Though the products this packaging contains are

205、considered high value,the packaging is typically designed for disposal/single use and often viewed as hazardous.This means recyclable packaging tends to be disposed of with hazardous packaging and sent for disposal/incineration.Items sometimes illegally dumped/burned/lost from waste management syste

206、ms and enter environment.If items do end up in the environment,the transboundary impact is just as high as for other packaging formats.Not commonly found in litter,likely to fragment and degrade in the environment,though over varying periods of time as some forms of packaging are more durable for sa

207、fety purposes,while others areflimsyandlightweight.1E.PACKAGING:OTHER CONTACT SENSITIVELowModerateHighModerateModerateModerateTend to stay within waste management systems,less likely to enter the environment.If items do enter the environment,the likelihoodoftransboundaryimpactisjustashigh.Oftenforsh

208、ort-term use.Notascommonlyfoundinlitter.Oftenflimsy,tendtofragmentanddegrade1F.PACKAGING:NON CONTACT SENSITIVEModerateModerateHighModerateHighHighTend to be consumed in the home,less prone to enter the environment.If items do end up in the environment,the likelihood of transboundary impact is just a

209、s high.Some commonly found in litter,tend to accumulate in illegal dumps.Tendency to breakdown.More likely to contain harmful substances than contact sensitive packaging.*Note:refer to Chapter 2,and the Deep dive The challenge of categorizing packaging for explanation of necessary/other packaging su

210、bgroupTable 3-1:Assessment of plastic product groups:packaging NecessaryNecessaryOtherOtherWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS313.2.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTSThe characteristic-specific products category includes plastic product groups based on certain characteristics shared by the pr

211、oducts that increase their pollution risks.The first subgroup includes widespread,short-lived or single-use items that are often of low value and utility.These are usually consumer products,and include items like balloon sticks,cotton bud sticks,plastic cutlery,wet wipes,disposable diapers,etc.Some

212、are made using plastic fibres(non-woven),like wet wipes,while others may be manufactured using more conventional rigid or flexible plastic polymers(like plastic cutlery).This subgroup makes up a large proportion of plastic waste,and correspondingly,contributes highly to plastic pollution.Many such i

213、tems have already been identified in global reviews of single-use plastic pollution,marine pollution and beach clean-ups.In many cases,these items are discarded directly in the environment(e.g.,disposable cutlery used in on-the-go food applications),while in others they may end up in formal waste ma

214、nagement systems but lack suitable options for recycling(e.g.,disposable diapers).Others(e.g.,sanitary items,cotton bud sticks,wet wipes,etc)are flushed by consumers,who may believe they are biodegradable or water soluble.Since wastewater treatment works and sewage systems often cannot tackle the ac

215、cumulation of such items in pipes,they often contribute to flooding due to blockages or reach waterways through sewage discharge.For example,one UK study found that the majority of sewer blockage material recovered consisted of wipes that were not designed to be flushed.Baby wipes accounted for over

216、 75%by weight of identifiable products,with surface wipes,cosmetic removal wipes and feminine hygiene products accounting for approximately 20%.19A final subgroup includes products that are often long-lived but that release significant microplastics due to wear and tear during use(such as textiles,p

217、aint and tyres).This means their pathways to the environment are distinct from the short-lived or single-use subgroups.Microfibres from textiles and tyre dust have been identified as key sources of microplastic pollution,accounting for as much as 35%and 28%of global releases of primary microplastics

218、 to the ocean respectively.20 These trends are increasing,due to the ever-increasing use of private vehicles in transport systems around the world,as well as clothing trends like fast fashion which contribute to increasing textile consumption and waste generation.Other long-lived products,such as fu

219、rniture and durable toys,may also include plastic components that,once in the environment,can have harmful impacts.However,these are comparatively less likely to release secondary microplastics during use,are less commonly found in the environment,and tend to be captured in waste management systems

220、due to their higher value,use patterns and durability.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTSPROBABILITYIMPACTVOLUME IN CIRCULATIONTENDENCY TO ENTERTRANSBOUNDARY RELEVANCEPREVALENCEPHYSICAL PROPERTIESSPECIFIC RELATED HARMS2A.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED FIBRES/NON-WOVEN NECESSARY

221、ModerateHighHighHighHighHighDesigned for household/commercial use.Tend to be disposable and viewed as low-value/hazardous once used.Pronetoflushing-fibresareusuallytransferredtotheenvironmentduringoverflowevents.Notcompletelyremoved in the screening phase in wastewater treatment.Single-use menstrual

222、 products among most commonly found single-use plastic items in marine environments.Disintegration leads to microplastic release into water.Size,fibreandfloatingpropertiesmeanhigh-riskofingestion in wildlife.2B.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED-FIBRES/NON-WOVEN OTHER(NON-NECESS

223、ARY)ModerateHighHighHighHighHighPronetoincorrectdisposal(littering,flushing).Fibresare usually transferred to the environment,particularly duringoverflowevents.Tendtobreakdownintofibresandbelightweight/buoyantleadingtopotentialtransboundary impactWet wipes and cigarette butts among most commonly fou

224、nd single-use plastic items in marine and terrestrial environments.Size,fibreandfloatingpropertiesmean risk of ingestion in marine wildlife is high.Some items contain hazardous chemicals which can get into waterways and oceans;the chemicals inhibit plant growth and can be harmful to wildlife.2C.CHAR

225、ACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:OTHER SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED ITEMS NECESSARYModerateModerateHighHighHighHighOftenconsumedwithinthehouseholdandlesslikelytobelittered.Canbeverysmallorlightweight/flimsyeasy to miss in clean-up efforts,easily blown away and dispersed on wind/water.Likelihood of ending up i

226、n the environment lower than other single-use items;but if they do then transboundary impacts is just as high.Lightweight and mobile for wind-transfer and water systems.Likely to be ingested by marine wildlife and birds.Rigid items can be easily fragmented to create sharp edges.Possible leakage of B

227、PA,phthalates,heavy metals or allergens.Greater risk of leakage of substances of concern than that of contact-sensitive applications.2D.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:OTHER SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED ITEMS OTHER(NON-NECESSARY)ModerateHighHighHighHighHighOftenconsumedoutsideofthehomesohigherchanceof li

228、ttering.Very low value which can lend itself to littering and improper disposal.Easily lost from waste management systems.Single-use plastic items including disposable cutlery and utensils have high prevalence in plastic found in the ocean.Lightweight and mobile through wind transfer and water syste

229、ms.Items can often become fragmented to create sharp edges,causing harm to wildlife.2E.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:LONGER LIFE CAUSE SIGNIFICANT SECONDARY MICROPLASTIC RELEASEModerateHighModerateHighModerateHighUsed in applications that are in direct contact with air/water/land.Majority of loss

230、es of microplastics to the oceans come from road run-off.Tend not to be picked upinwastewatertreatment/filtersanddispersedwidelydue to micro propertiesTwo-thirds of microplastic releases are due to the launderingofsynthetictextilesanderosionoftyreswhile driving.Susceptible to leakage in the supply c

231、hain.Canactasasourceandsinkfortoxicagents,chemicaladditives and heavy metals that leach out of plastics and can be absorbed into the environment.2F.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:LONGER LIFE OTHER LONGER LIFE ITEMSModerateLowModerateLowLowModerateItems tend to be used in the home,less likely to en

232、d up in the environment.Can be subject to dumping,if costs of disposal are high.Mostly durable,heavy,non-buoyant items,meaninglowtransboundaryimpact.Exceptionsinclude toys or long-life utensils.Not commonly found in litter,some prone to dumping.Dense and heavy items have little mobility in the envir

233、onment,barringexceptions.Lowerimpactonmarine wildlife from ingestion or entanglement until broken down.Dumped waste may contain hazardous chemicals which leak into soil and groundwater.Table 3-2:Assessment of plastic product groups:Characteristic-specific productsWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC

234、PRODUCTS333.3.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTSThe use of plastics in sectors like fishing,aquaculture and agriculture poses particular pollution issues,since products are used in direct contact with the environment and will directly enter the environment if not used or discarded correctly.A significant prop

235、ortion of fishing and aquaculture gear is made using plastic components,which are also subject to degradation and microplastic leakage during their lifetimes.In some cases,plastic products in these sectors do not have a high enough value to ensure they are recovered if accidental loss does occur,and

236、 adequate waste management options are often either lacking or too expensive.The physical properties of some of these items make them particularly harmful if they do end up in the environment(e.g.,fishing lines,ropes and nets which are deadly to wildlife that continue to be ensnared in them).3.4 PRI

237、MARY MICROPLASTICS In contrast to secondary microplastics,from which the pathways to the environment and impacts once in the environment are linked to the use of specific plastic products,primary microplastics are a product in their own right.They are a key source of microplastic pollution,which is

238、often due to their patterns of use,as well as physical properties.Being very small and lightweight,they are very mobile once released in the environment,and usually of a very low value compared with the final functions they perform.This means that they are unlikely to be recaptured once released.The

239、re are also no clear waste management pathways for these items,so the emphasis for any regulations needs to be on preventing their release in the first place.Once in the environment,they are commonly ingested by wildlife and tend to bioaccumulate in the food chain,with various negative impacts on wi

240、ldlife health depending on the chemicals and substances they contain.Preproduction microplastics also tend to be poorly handled,with numerous reports of massive leakage incidents in the ocean due to container spills from cargo ships.21,22,23SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTSPROBABILITY:IMPACT:VOLUME IN CIRCUL

241、ATIONTENDENCY TO ENTERTRANSBOUNDARY RELEVANCEPREVALENCEPHYSICAL PROPERTIESSPECIFIC RELATED HARMS3A.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:MARINE,AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL MARINE/AQUATIC FISHING AND AQUACULTURELowHighModerateHighHighHighDesigned to be used in direct contact with land/water.Not always designed for du

242、rability/repair,high propensity to get snagged/lost due to currents or other factors.High likelihood of entering the environment,but not all products will have transboundary impacts.Commonly found in marine plastic litter globally.High tendency for breakdown and dispersal.Can continue to harm,trap a

243、nd smother marine wildlife and habitats.High amounts of phthalates,some products primarily madefromplasticsusingadditives(e.g.,PVCforsoffits).3B.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:MARINE,AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL TERRESTRIAL AGRICULTURE/AGRICULTURAL PLASTICS APPLIED DIRECTLYLowHighModerateHighHighHighDesigned t

244、o be used in direct contact with land.High propensitytogetlostinfloodingevents.Surfacerun-offanderosioncantransportmicroplasticsfromfieldstowaterways.Commonly found in land litter globally.Due to design,it can harm,trap,and smother wildlife.Microplastics can effect changes in soil physio-chemical pr

245、operties which can have impacts such as reduced root growth or nutrient uptake.3C.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS-OTHERHighLowLowLowLowHighProducts tend to be used in the home,less likely to end up in the environment.Risk of dumping if costs of disposal are high.Tendtobedurable,heavy,difficulttoblowawayorf

246、loat.Not commonly found in litter.Little mobility in the environment,though some components and smaller products may still be mobile.Lower impact until broken down.PVC used in construction and household products releases harmful substances when incinerated canleachintosoilsandgroundwater.Severaltoxi

247、cadditives are found in e.g.,e-waste,and if leaked to the environment the harms are severe so impact is high34.PRIMARY MICROPLASTICSPROBABILITY:IMPACT:VOLUME IN CIRCULATIONTENDENCY TO ENTERTRANSBOUNDARY RELEVANCEPREVALENCEPHYSICAL PROPERTIESSPECIFIC RELATED HARMS4A.PRIMARY MICROPLASTICS:IN APPLICATI

248、ON OR INTENTIONALLY ADDED MICROPLASTICS LowHighHighModerateModerateModerateApplication in direct contact with water.Lightweight,small,easily blown away and carried by water.Costly to capture with no subsequent use or recycling value.Size means high likelihood of transboundary impact through migratio

249、n through water systems.4B.PRIMARY MICROPLASTICS:PREPRODUCTION ModerateHighHighHighModerateModerateNot all plastics in primary forms are in the form of pellets,though a large proportion of these are.In some cases,the tendency to enter is high(e.g.,spills and improper handling of pellets in productio

250、n settings).High cost of capture.Additives,phthalates and BPA leach out of microplastics into the terrestrial and marine environment risk higher than with microbeads as not applied directly to skin and hair.Table 3-3:Assessment of plastic product groups:sector-specific plastic productsTable 3-4:Asse

251、ssment of plastic product groups:primary microplasticsWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS353.5.PRIORITIZING HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCT GROUPSThe above assessment results are aggregated to inform the prioritization of high-risk plastic product groups for urgent interventions.Product groups wi

252、th high and moderate ratings against most criteria are deemed a higher priority issue than those with mostly moderate and low ratings.In addition,further logic tests ensure that appropriate weighting is given to specific criteria relative to others.The pollution risks of product groups are assessed

253、relative to one another and only in the current context.This means that product groups deemed to be of lower priority have relatively lower risks only in comparison to the other product groups in this assessment,and only at the time of assessment.Their pollution risk evaluation results should not be

254、 taken as an absolute value independent of context.Product groups not currently assessed as a priority may be reassessed as high-risk in the future either as the availability of data and evidence improves,or once the priority product groups are sufficiently tackled(so their risk level is mitigated a

255、nd reduced relative to current non-priority product groups).The prioritization of high-risk plastic product groups,based on the assessment framework described in the preceding sections,is summarized in Table 3-5.The product groups deemed lower priority due to lower risk are then excluded from the cl

256、assification of Class I or Class II product groups in section 4.Table 3-5:Prioritization of high-risk plastic product groupsPRODUCT GROUP PRIORITY DUE TO HIGH POLLUTION RISKPackaging1a.Packaging:contact sensitive single-use food and beverage(necessary/other)Yes1b.Packaging:contact sensitive multi-us

257、e food and beverageLower priority due to lower risk1c.Packaging:contact sensitive cosmetics and personal care(necessary/other)Yes1d.Packaging:contact sensitive pharmaceutical and medicalYes1e.Packaging:other contact sensitiveYes1f.Packaging:non contact sensitiveYesCharacteristic-specific products2a.

258、Characteristic-specificproducts:single-useshort-livedfibres/non-woven necessaryYes2b.Characteristic-specificproducts:Single-useshort-livedfibres/non-woven other(non-necessary)Yes2c.Characteristic-specificproducts:othersingle-useshort-liveditemsnecessaryYes2d.Characteristic-specificproducts:Othersing

259、le-useshort-liveditemsOther(non-necessary)Yes2e.Characteristic-specificproducts:LongerlifeCausesignificantsecondary microplastic releaseYes2f.Characteristic-specific products:Longer life Other longer life itemsLower priority due to lower riskSector-specific plastic products3a.Sector-specificproducts

260、:Marine,aquaticandterrestrial-Marine/Aquaticfishing&aquacultureYes3b.Sector-specificproductsMarine,aquaticandterrestrial-Terrestrial-agriculture/Agricultural Plastics Applied DirectlyYes3c.Sector-specific products-OtherLower priority due to lower riskPrimary microplastics4a.Primary microplastics In

261、application or intentionally added microplasticsYes4b.Primary microplastics PreproductionYesAs can be seen,a majority of the product groups are assessed as high priority based on current evidence and understanding.In part this reflects the fact that during the iterative assessment process,further sp

262、lits are made for some larger product groups,due to intermediate results that indicate the varied use patterns and pathways to the environment of different subgroups within the large grouping which in turn would require measures to be more specifically tailored to the subgroups.For example,the packa

263、ging group alone is split into a total of six subgroups.Further splitting of this nature may also occur as treaty negotiations proceed.In contrast,the category of other sector-specific products is kept broad in this assessment,because the results indicate that tailored measures for more specific sub

264、groups are not urgently required.This category does however include products of various sectors,some of which(e.g.,construction)have significantly more plastic usage by volume than others.Should the treaty seek to address this area in future,subdivision could help maintain focus on priority products

265、.FredrikOhlander/UnsplashWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS37 Magnus Lundgren/Wild Wonders of China/WWFCHAPTER 4 CLASSIFYING PRIORITIZED HIGH-RISK PRODUCT GROUPS BY ELIMINATION FEASIBILITYWWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS39In this section,the product groups that are assessed as

266、high risk and prioritized for urgent interventions summarized in Table 3-5 are divided into two distinct classes(Class I and Class II).This division is based on one principal criterion:whether or not it is considered feasible,in the near term,to eliminate or significantly reduce the consumption and

267、production of these product groups.If not,the feasibility of safe circulation and management of these groups is assessed.A key premise for this analysis is that regulations aimed at eliminating a certain product category or application(e.g.,through global bans and phase-out provisions)are,other thin

268、gs being equal,the most cost-efficient,proportional and implementable regulatory approach to minimizing plastic pollution.As discussed in Section 1.2,this report anticipates that the treaty can determine the main control measures to tackle pollution caused by each product group by placing it into on

269、e of two classes.Class I encompasses plastics for which production,consumption and trade could be either eliminated or significantly reduced without major negative consequences.For this analysis,significant reduction or elimination within the first decade of the treatys life(i.e.,by or before around

270、 2035)has been selected as the benchmark against which product groups are placed in Class I.There is scope for increasing the level of ambition over time,by moving entire product groups,or specific products,from Class II to Class I,or by increasing the level of reduction and shortening reduction tim

271、elines(phase-out schedules)for products in Class I.Class II encompasses product groups for which production,consumption and trade could not be directly and significantly reduced without major negative consequences at the time of assessment.For Class II,the treaty must improve safe and non-toxic circ

272、ularity and where disposal is unavoidable ensure the final stage of the plastics chain minimizes or prevents products,or the plastics they contain,from contributing to pollution.Across both Class I and Class II,the treaty should prioritize elimination,then reduction,then safe circulation,and only th

273、en safe management.This is discussed further in Report Two.To determine the placement of identified high-risk product groups into Class I and Class II as described above,an assessment against another metric the feasibility of controls is conducted,using the following three criteria:Technical feasibi

274、lity(e.g.,the availability and viability of alternative materials or processes)Socioeconomic feasibility(e.g.,the affordability and acceptability of changes,including differential impacts for specific countries or demographic groups)Likelihood of unintended consequences(e.g.,the risks that substitut

275、ion/reduction/management may have other high-risk or worse environmental outcomes).TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY This criterion seeks to examine whether it is currently technically feasible to tackle plastic pollution from a given product group,and encompasses a range of considerations:Class I Can this prod

276、uct group be phased out/avoided?Can the plastic in this product group be substantially reduced?Are alternatives to plastics in the given product group available and accessible?Do the alternatives fully meet the functional requirements of their plastic counterparts?Are the alternatives readily scalab

277、le to meet demand by 2035?Are policy solutions to enable a shift from plastics in these product groups to alternatives well demonstrated in any country at present?Class II Do technologies to collect,recycle and reuse plastic waste from these product groups exist?Are these readily scalable by 2035?Ar

278、e policy solutions to enable the environmentally sound management and safe circulation of plastics in these product groups well demonstrated?according to the product group in question.This was important for product groups in which the plastic components of the product or application,rather than the

279、product itself,are the subject of the treaty.SOCIOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY This criterion gauges whether tackling the pollution from a given plastic product group is likely to disproportionately affect certain demographic groups or communities,bearing in mind differing contexts within and between countr

280、ies.In particular,countries face different challenges depending on per capita income24 and infrastructure across several domains,from access to drinking water to waste management.Bans on certain items may also have a disproportionately negative effect on elderly people,disabled people or those with

281、certain medical conditions.25 Socioeconomic contexts may also disproportionately place the burden or costs associated with shifts to alternatives or changes in consumption on specific demographic groups.For example,shifting from single-use water bottles to reusable ones with refill systems requires

282、access to potable water systems and infrastructure for reuse.Lower-income groups,or communities in areas with limited infrastructure access,may face disproportionate health and economic impacts from an abrupt shift.26 In another case,the use of reusable nappies in place of disposable ones is workabl

283、e in many contexts,but requires access to clean water and more often than not,due to prevailing gender norms,places the burden of labour associated with this change on women.Consideration is therefore given to the risk that a control measure could reduce access to,or increase costs associated with,c

284、ertain products and systems that might create or worsen health,hygiene or sanitation challenges,especially for those living in poverty or crisis situations.For example,for necessary non-woven products like single-use feminine sanitary products,the assessment takes into account the possible impacts o

285、f elimination of this product group in situations where access to clean water and privacy are limited.27For Class II products,these considerations are also relevant for control measures around improved waste management.For example,where technical or financial barriers to improvement exist,the assess

286、ment also considers implications for informal waste sector workers in this context.LIKELIHOOD OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES The solutions to plastic pollution are not likely to be environmentally neutral themselves.This is because the issues of environmental pollution and a lack of circularity in resou

287、rce use are not limited to plastics alone.If the control measures around certain plastic product groups are not designed well,there is a risk of addressing one problem but giving rise to others.For Class I products,this is related to the impacts of any alternatives that may arise,or be encouraged,to

288、 take the place of the plastic product that has been eliminated/reduced.For single-use plastic products,there is a significant risk that these will simply be replaced by single-use products made of other materials that may be as prone to littering and may have similar or worse impacts on the environ

289、ment across their life cycles(across a wide range of measures from carbon emissions to land-use competition).28 The underlying purpose of reducing or eliminating the harms generated by the plastic in question would not be met if this was to occur.Similarly,an improvement in waste collection for Clas

290、s II products would significantly reduce the probability of plastics entering the environment.However,it must be coupled with additional measures to ensure sound treatment options for the collected plastic waste so as to avoid the accumulation of waste in open dumps,or diversion to incineration,with

291、 associated greenhouse gas and toxic emissions.29 The objective to safely manage and circulate plastics will not be met,and major negative environmental consequences would arise,if these measures are not taken in parallel.4.1.ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF ELIMINATING PRODUCT GROUPSEach of the previou

292、sly identified high-risk plastic product groups(see Section 3.5)is assessed against the feasibility criteria described above.As with the assessment of high-risk plastic product groups,this assessment uses a three level system of low,medium and High feasibility.The results are summarized in the table

293、 below.Note that only prioritized high-risk product groups,as shown in Table 3-5,have been moved forward for further assessment.WWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS414.1.1.PackagingGiven the widespread applications,compositions and functions of plastics in packaging,and the sensitivity of so

294、me use cases(for example,medical and pharmaceutical),it is not likely that any of the packaging product groups can be eliminated in their entirety within the first 10 years of the treaty.However,significant reductions in single-use packaging within some product groups should be achievable,justifying

295、 the inclusion of these groups in Class I.30 There are a small number of cases where particular packaging products could be targeted within a product group,but there is also extensive scope for standards to eliminate unnecessary applications of specific packaging formats,and optimize material use ev

296、en in cases where packaging is still required.There are also very significant opportunities to improve circulation and management of these packaging subgroups to reduce plastic pollution and ensuing harms under Class II.This is likely to include reducing complexity in materials and substances used,s

297、ince not all types of packaging are designed to be collected,sorted and recycled.The use of recycled content needs to increase,and the economic viability of recycling needs to improve.Global requirements and standards can help drive these changes.Some Class II measures may also indirectly help drive

298、 overall reductions in use(for example in the case of reuse).Packaging is a complex and high-risk category,and greater differentiation of ambition both between and within its subgroups should be a negotiation priority,to ensure ambition is maximized and control measures complement each other to opti

299、mize outcomes.This is further described in Report Two.4.1.2.Characteristic-specific productsIn considering elimination of single-use plastic products,the risk of substitution and unintended consequences was deemed high,as it is not only plastic but the widespread use of single-use products that crea

300、tes environmental harm.Careful consideration was given to the distribution of impacts associated with eliminating plastics in items necessary for human health and hygiene;this was a key driver in defining the necessary category in the first place.For example,switching from disposable nappies that co

301、ntain plastics to reusable ones is theoretically feasible in many settings,but is likely to have a disproportionate impact on women,due to prevailing social norms of childcare duties.31 Reusable nappies also require good access to clean water for washing,and may be more expensive than single-use cou

302、nterparts,which will disadvantage those affected by poverty or crisis.For longer-life products that release secondary microplastics during use,eliminating plastic use is not assessed as feasible in the next 10 years.The focus is therefore on the feasibility of reducing microplastic leakage through i

303、mproved design standards and strategies to capture these microplastics.In relation to the problem of textile waste and leakages here,measures to secure safe circulation and management,such as extended producer responsibility,are deemed highly feasible.4.1.3.Sector-specific productsThere is insuffici

304、ent evidence on what reduced use of plastic products,or plastic in products,would need to look like for fishing gear and aquaculture.The vast majority of actual and proposed interventions on plastic pollution for these product groups focus on preventing dumping of gear,and ensuring fishing gear is r

305、etrieved and recycled.32 Likewise,there is insufficient evidence on the feasibility of large-scale alternatives to agricultural plastics,with actual or proposed interventions focused on retrieval of material,and a possible case for design changes to reduce harms when material is left in the environm

306、ent.The feasibility assessment therefore leads to a focus on Class II controls for these product groups,discussed further in Report Two.4.1.4.Primary microplasticsThe feasibility assessment shows the use of intentionally added microplastics in some applications is suitable for elimination(e.g.,micro

307、beads in rinse-off cosmetics,which have already been successfully regulated in some countries).Where intentionally added microplastics are not eliminated,this is largely due to costs associated with alternatives,rather than a lack of suitable alternatives or negative impacts on humans and the enviro

308、nment.33 Elimination is likely to become feasible within the next decade and regulation is likely to play a key role in ensuring suitable alternatives are scaled up sufficiently to enable this.Preproduction plastics,on the other hand,cannot be eliminated as a product group,as this Table 4-1:Packagin

309、gPACKAGING GROUPSFEASIBILITY FOR ELIMINATIONTECHNICAL FEASIBILITYSOCIO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITYUNINTENDED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES1A.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE SINGLE-USE FOOD AND BEVERAGE(NECESSARY/OTHER)Medium Medium LowAlternatives and technology available to eliminate or manage in some cases.Some

310、 well-tested policy options,mostly around increasing circularity.In some cases,alternativesandrequiredtechnologyaretooexpensive.Likelytocauseundueburden in countries where packaging is essential for health and safety reasons.Policies to improve circularity are more widely acceptable.Risk that elimin

311、ating plastic in these applications will result in shift to other single-use alternatives with a similar/worse impact.1C.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE(NECESSARY/OTHER)Medium Medium LowAlternatives and technology to eliminate or manage available in some cases but not all.Lac

312、k of well-tested policy options,though some evidence of emerging policies around reuse models.Likely to cause undue burden in countries where plastic is used for safety reasons.Some alternatives such as glass deemed unsafe for some personalcareproducts.Alternativeslikelytobetooexpensiveinsomecasesan

313、dincreasedexpenselikelytoaffectlow-incomegroupsdisproportionately.Riskofshiftto other single-use alternatives with a similar or worse impact.1D.PACKAGING:CONTACT SENSITIVE PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL Low Medium LowAlternatives available to eliminate for some,but not the majority.Lack of well-tested p

314、olicy options.Likely to cause additional burden in low-income countries where plastic is used for health and safety reasons.Some emerging policies to improve circularity through reusable solutions.Risk that eliminating plastic in these applications will result in shift to other single-use alternativ

315、es with similar or worse impact.1E.PACKAGING:OTHER CONTACT SENSITIVE Low Medium LowAlternatives and technology available to eliminate or manage in some cases but not all.Lack of well-tested policy options.Policies to improve circularity are more widely acceptable.Likely to cause undue burden in coun

316、tries where plastic is used for health and safety reasons.Risk that eliminating plastic in these applications will result in shift to other single-use alternatives with similar/worse impact.1F.PACKAGING:NON CONTACT SENSITIVE Medium Medium LowAlternatives and technology to eliminate available in some

317、 cases but not others.Some welltestedpolicyoptionsforcirculatingspecificproducts.Dependentonspecificproducts but elimination likely to result in higher cost of products,placing undue burden on some groups.Reduction likely to be lower risk.Risk that eliminating plastic could result in shift to simila

318、r or worse alternatives.Risk of creating a void in the market if plastic use is banned with alternatives not yet commercially or technically viable.*Note:refer to Section 3.0 for explanation of“necessary/other”packaging subgroup.WWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS43Table 4-3:Sector-specific

319、 productsSECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCT GROUPSFEASIBILITY FOR ELIMINATIONTECHNICAL FEASIBILITYSOCIO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITYUNINTENDED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES3A.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:MARINE,AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL MARINE/AQUATIC FISHING AND AQUACULTURE Medium Low MediumElimination likely to be costly/unf

320、easible.Alternatives lacking,though some suggestions for improved design and durability available.Some waste management technologies available but not at scale.Some evidence of policy options.Some risk of measures increasing short-term costs of products,disproportionately affecting low-income groups

321、.Technology roll-out likely to be expensive.Fishingislikelytoinvolvesomelossesofequipmenttotheseagiventhechallengingoperatingcontext.3B.SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:MARINE,AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL TERRESTRIAL AGRICULTURE/AGRICULTURAL PLASTICS APPLIED DIRECTLY Medium Low MediumSome alternatives available.

322、Most policy options focused on reducing leakage and improving circularity.Some risk of measures increasing short-term costs of products which would disproportionately affect low-income groups.Technology roll-outlikelytobeexpensive.Table 4-2:Characteristic-specific productsCHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRO

323、DUCTS GROUPSFEASIBILITY FOR ELIMINATIONTECHNICAL FEASIBILITYSOCIO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITYUNINTENDED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES2A.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED-FIBRES/NON-WOVEN NECESSARY Low Low LowAlternatives available,though not rolled out at scale or not proven suitable for

324、 everycontext.Wastemanagementsystemsarelacking.Nowell-testedpolicyoptions.Likelytoadverselyaffectsomegroupsduetoexpense/inconvenience/lack of clean water associated with alternatives.Also considered necessary for health/hygiene.Alternatives do not have a clear end-of-life route for circulation at pr

325、esent environmental impacts of production may be higher in some cases.2B.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED FIBRES/NON-WOVEN OTHER(NON-NECESSARY)High High HighAlternatives available or use of plastic in items unnecessary.Waste management technology is currently lacking in some c

326、ases.Some evidence of policy options.Unlikely to cause problems if eliminated.In those that cant be eliminated,there will be a need for multi-use alternatives and standards surrounding these.2C.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:OTHER SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED ITEMS NECESSARY Low Medium MediumSome altern

327、atives available but not all.Waste management technology available in some cases.Policy options tend not to be tested.In some cases,alternatives andrequiredtechnologyaretooexpensive.Anycostburdenwouldbefeltdisproportionately by some groups as items are essential.2D.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:O

328、THER SINGLE-USE SHORT-LIVED ITEMS OTHER(NON-NECESSARY)High High HighAlternatives available or items/uses of plastic in items unnecessary.Waste management technology is currently lacking in some cases.Some evidence of policy options.As items are not necessary,they are unlikely to cause issues from el

329、imination.In those that cant be eliminated,there is a need for multi-use alternatives and standards surrounding these.2E.CHARACTERISTIC-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS:LONGER LIFE CAUSE SIGNIFICANT SECONDARY MICROPLASTIC RELEASE Low Low MediumAlternatives lacking.Some technology available to capture microplastic

330、release.Some evidence of policy options to reduce leakage/circulate which are also related to increasing durability of the products.Increased short-term costs of products could disproportionately affect low-income groups.Technology roll-out likely to be expensive.Table 4-4:Primary microplasticsPRIMA

331、RY MICROPLASTICS GROUPSFEASIBILITY FOR ELIMINATIONTECHNICAL FEASIBILITYSOCIO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITYUNINTENDED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES4A.PRIMARY MICROPLASTICS:IN APPLICATION OR INTENTIONALLY ADDED MICROPLASTICS High High HighElimination feasible and alternatives unnecessary.Wastewater treatment work

332、s available but disproportionate.Policy options tested.Unlikely to cause problems if eliminated,as applications are non-essential.4B.PRIMARY MICROPLASTICS:PREPRODUCTION Low Medium LowAlternatives lacking and have high-risk of unintended environmental consequences(e.g.,if alternative material substit

333、utes for plastic have a higher overall environmental footprint over their lifecycle).Technology/policies for preventionofleakagedoexistandareinuseinsomecases.Reducingriskofleakage/safe management is highly feasible.WWF|BREAKING DOWN HIGH-RISK PLASTIC PRODUCTS45would imply eliminating the majority of plastics.The feasibility assessment is therefore focused on reducing leakage of these items,though