Polluter pays: manufacturers must bear their environmental impact

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In the final stage of the **Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee** held in Busan, South Korea, UN experts emphasized the need to establish the premise of “[who pollutes, pays the consequences](https://noticiasambientales.com/residuos/la-mitad-de-la-contaminacion-plastica-esta-asociada-con-56-empresas/)” for their actions.

In this sense, the experts warned that current negotiations **could shift the burden to developing countries** that lack the necessary resources to deal with the effects of plastic. “Producers and the countries where they are based are not taking their share in mitigating the global effects on human rights,” the specialists affirmed.

To be effective, the treaty must include key principles such as **transparency and prevention**, in addition to specific references to human rights such as access to information, the right to a **clean and sustainable environment**, and equitable development. Above all, accountability must be ensured at all stages of the plastic cycle.

![Contamination by garbage. Photo EFE.](https://storage.googleapis.com/media-cloud-na/2024/10/608128-300×169.jpg)

## The principle of “polluter pays” in action

Each stage of the [plastic cycle generates pollution](https://noticiasambientales.com/residuos/como-se-combate-la-contaminacion-plastica/), so the treaty must consider them all. Citizens must have **clear access to information on the chemicals present in polymers and plastic products**, the pollutants released in each phase, and the volumes of plastic produced. This knowledge is crucial for countries and companies to fulfill their commitments, including reducing production.

Furthermore, the experts proposed the creation of a **global fund financed by plastic producers**. This fund would implement the polluter pays principle. This treaty is fundamental for the protection of human rights in developing and less developed countries.

On the other hand, **designing plastics that facilitate their gradual elimination or safe recycling** must be ensured, especially in developing countries that rely on imports and do not have economies of scale, making the removal of this material costly.

![Plastic pollution](https://storage.googleapis.com/media-cloud-na/2024/05/contaminacion-plastica-300×188.jpeg)

## A fair transition based on human rights

Likewise, the treaty must also **ensure legal resources for individuals disproportionately affected by pollution** and ensure that the transition to a circular economy is fair and inclusive. This also includes protecting those economically dependent on plastic work.

Finally, the experts conclude that a global solution requires a bold vision that addresses the **damages caused by fossil fuel and petrochemical industries**. This effort will not only help mitigate the impact of plastic pollution but also contribute to combating **climate change** and loss.

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