Germany Forges Ahead On Plastic Deal

Germany Forges Ahead On Plastic Deal

The German government is prepared to pursue international agreements on plastic waste reduction independently of nations hindering progress in ongoing United Nations negotiations, according to a senior official. Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, indicated in a recent interview with ARD-Tagesthemen that Germany would not allow a few dissenting countries to derail crucial action.

Negotiations in Geneva, aimed at establishing a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, are proving particularly challenging, largely due to what officials describe as a growing global lack of solidarity, spearheaded by the United States and Russia’s unwillingness to participate. Achieving consensus on key measures, such as limiting primary plastic production, has been identified as a significant hurdle. Flasbarth emphasized the necessity of such limitations for long-term effectiveness.

Regarding domestic recycling efforts, Flasbarth acknowledged Germany’s strong standing in international comparisons. However, he noted that improvements are needed to advance the concept of “closed-loop” recycling – transforming waste materials back into high-quality products – a goal he stated requires a concerted effort across the entire European Union.