DENR pushes for a binding global plastics treaty to spur investment

During a Global Plastics Treaty roundtable in New York, DENR Environment Undersecretary Analiza Teh advocated for a binding international agreement to tackle plastic pollution and attract financing for circular-economy projects. She highlighted that harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility standards and clear regulatory terms would reduce investors' financial risk and lower compliance expenses across borders. Teh warned that a weak treaty focused only on recycling would trap nations in costly waste cycles, and urged private firms to provide data on alternative materials and directly support regional waste-management infrastructure. In the Philippines, the DENR has issued 155 show-cause letters to companies for failing to meet EPR obligations, and reported 2024 recovery rates of 59.98% for rigid plastics and 56.33% for flexible plastics, exceeding the 40% target, with a 60% goal set for 2026.