Plastic pollution is an increasing risk to business. At the time of this writing, global leaders from 193 UN Member States are in the process of negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution by levying legally binding plastic use reduction, recyclability, and transition goals and drive demand for reusables. At the same time, a wide array of more than 200 businesses, investors, and non-governmental organizations are united in recognizing plastic pollution as a severe threat to businesses’ social license to operate, endorse, and support the negotiation of this ambitious global treaty.

Corporations can address legal, regulatory, environmental, and brand reputation risks of plastic pollution and prepare for forthcoming global treaty agreements by taking the steps outlined in this report to create a circular economy for packaging.