The Global Plastics Treaty and its Implications Training Course

The Global Plastics Treaty and its Implications Training Course

Introduction

The global plastics crisis is an unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenge, demanding urgent, coordinated action. The ongoing negotiations for the UN Global Plastics Treaty a legally binding international instrument represent a landmark opportunity to address plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle, from production and design to disposal and recycling. The Global Plastics Treaty and its Implications Training Course provides an in-depth, strategic overview of the treaty's key provisions, its profound implications for industries and governments, and the imperative of transitioning to a circular economy. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, manage operational risks, and seize new opportunities in the rapidly transforming global market for sustainable materials and products.

This training program goes beyond mere policy analysis, offering practical, actionable insights for corporate strategy and risk management. The treaty is set to introduce stringent new rules, including potential caps on virgin plastic production, mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and global standards for product design and recyclability. Businesses that proactively align their operations with these emerging regulations will gain a significant competitive advantage. By embracing sustainable innovation and supply chain transparency, organizations can not only ensure compliance but also enhance their brand reputation, attract new investment, and become leaders in the plastics value chain of the future.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Master the legal and regulatory requirements of the Global Plastics Treaty.
2. Develop and implement a robust corporate strategy for a plastics circular economy.
3. Drive innovation in product design, sustainable packaging, and alternative materials.
4. Map and optimize your supply chain for plastics lifecycle management.
5. Understand and prepare for new global and national EPR schemes.
6. Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks associated with plastic pollution.
7. Effectively engage with policy-makers and multi-stakeholder forums.
8. Align corporate strategies with green finance and sustainable investment criteria.
9. Implement robust metrics for plastic footprint measurement and ESG reporting.
10. Navigate the complexities of emerging global standards for plastics.
11. Understand and address the social and economic dimensions of the plastics transition.
12. Enhance brand value and consumer trust through demonstrable sustainability leadership.
13. Assess and support the development of effective waste management and recycling infrastructure.

Organizational Benefits

• Proactively manage legal, financial, and reputational risks posed by new regulations.
• Gain a first-mover advantage by aligning business models with future market trends.
• Strengthen Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials, attracting investors and consumers.
• Build a more resilient and transparent supply chain, reducing dependency on volatile virgin materials.
• Position your organization as a leader in sustainability and corporate responsibility.
• Identify and implement efficiencies through resource conservation and waste reduction.
• Attract and retain top talent by demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Target Audience

1. Corporate Executives.
2. Sustainability Professionals.
3. Supply Chain and Procurement Managers.
4. Product Design and R&D Teams.
5. Public Relations and Brand Managers.
6. Legal and Compliance Officers.
7. Policy-makers and Government Officials.
8. Investors and Financial Analysts.

Course Outline

Module 1: The Global Plastics Crisis and the Call for a Treaty

• Understanding the scale of plastic pollution and its environmental impacts.
• Analyzing the economic and social costs of plastic waste.
• The role of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).
• Key historical context: From the Basel Convention to the Paris Agreement.
• Case Study: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and its global policy implications.

Module 2: Key Provisions and Obligations of the Treaty

• Dissecting the draft treaty text: Legally binding vs. voluntary measures.
• Examining provisions on plastic production, design, and product lists.
• Exploring the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and national action plans.
• Understanding the mechanisms for financial support, technology transfer, and monitoring.
• Case Study: Comparing EU Single-Use Plastics Directive with proposed treaty obligations.

Module 3: Strategic Corporate Response: Navigating the New Landscape

• Developing a strategic roadmap for plastics-related business transformation.
• Identifying and prioritizing operational and supply chain risks.
• Integrating treaty requirements into corporate sustainability goals and reporting frameworks.
• Assessing opportunities for competitive advantage and market differentiation.
• Case Study: How a leading multinational beverage company re-engineered its packaging strategy in anticipation of the treaty.

Module 4: The Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation

• Deep-dive into the principles of the circular economy for plastics.
• Analyzing emerging technologies in recycling (mechanical and chemical) and material innovation.
• Designing products and packaging for recyclability, reusability, and biodegradability.
• Exploring the role of digital platforms for tracking and transparency.
• Case Study: A start-up's journey in creating a fully recyclable, bio-based plastic alternative.

Module 5: Financial Implications and Investment Strategy

• Understanding the financial risks of plastic pollution and stranded assets.
• Aligning with green finance, sustainable bonds, and ESG-linked loans.
• Measuring and reporting on plastic-related financial metrics.
• Exploring public-private partnerships for waste management and infrastructure.
• Case Study: How an investment fund integrated plastics risk into its portfolio screening process.

Module 6: Policy Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Developing effective strategies for engaging with government bodies and international organizations.
• Building multi-stakeholder alliances and partnerships.
• Communicating corporate positions and lobbying for a pragmatic treaty implementation.
• Navigating the public narrative and managing brand reputation during negotiations.
• Case Study: A trade association's successful advocacy for clear, harmonized recycling standards.

Module 7: Implementation and Regional Dynamics

• Examining national and regional implementation plans and their relationship to the global treaty.
• Addressing specific challenges for different regions 
• The role of the informal waste sector and ensuring a "just transition."
• Assessing the implications for trade and international relations.
• Case Study: The challenge of implementing a new plastics regulation in a developing country with a large informal waste economy.

Module 8: Measurement, Reporting, and Future Outlook

• Establishing a robust system for measuring plastic footprint and leakage.
• Best practices for transparent ESG and sustainability reporting.
• Preparing for future policy iterations and a continuously evolving regulatory environment.
• Exploring the link between the Plastics Treaty and broader climate and biodiversity goals.
• Case Study: How a global brand used plastic footprint data to set ambitious reduction targets and report progress to stakeholders.

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops.
• Expert-Led Seminars.
• Real-World Case Studies.
• Q&A and Panel Discussions.
• Scenario Planning Exercises.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.