UN negotiations on solutions for plastic pollution collapse

Global talks on plastic pollution have collapsed as countries remain divided on the best course of action

The BBC reported this to be the sixth round of talks in under three years with over 100 nations calling for the reduced production of plastics while oil states push for a stronger focus on recycling efforts.Although plastics benefit almost every industry, scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the toxic chemicals they contain which are being found in the soil, rivers and even trace amounts in the human body.

The UK Government announced new restrictions on single-use plastics in October of 2023, that prohibited retailers, takeaway stores, and hospitality from selling single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, and food containers. The legislation aimed to curb the use of items that contribute significantly to plastic pollution, with research showing that only 10% of the 2.7 billion single-use cutlery items used annually are recycled.

As a global leader in motion plastics, igus believes that long-term change requires more than a simple outright ban. Through its chainge recycling program, igus enables customers to return used plastic energy chains for responsible recycling and reuse, actively promoting a circular economy that keeps materials in use and out of the waste stream.

Beyond simply banning harmful plastics, igus also continue to develop self-lubricating high-performance polymers that are designed for extended service life, reducing the frequency of replacements, maintenance, and the volume of waste. These materials eliminate the need for external lubricants, which can contaminate ecosystems, designed to perform reliably in demanding industrial environments.

Recognising the growing concern around chemical safety, igus has also introduced PFAS-tested and PTFE-free options, offering customers safer alternatives without compromising performance.