While some have lauded the plan for its comprehensive approach, many industry leaders and environmental groups argue it doesn’t go far enough.
The “Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities” report is at the heart of the new strategy. This document outlines a government-wide approach to reducing plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
The key to this strategy is a new goal to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics. An aggressive timeline targets 2027 for food service operations, events, and packaging and 2035 for full federal operations. This move will leverage the federal government’s significant purchasing power to drive market changes and spur innovation in sustainable products.
The strategy addresses plastic pollution through several avenues, focusing on reducing pollution from plastic production, innovating materials and product design, and decreasing plastic waste generation.
Additionally, the plan emphasizes improving environmentally sound waste management practices and enhancing efforts to capture and remove existing plastic pollution from the environment. This multi-faceted plan aims to tackle the plastic pollution problem at every stage of the plastic lifecycle, from manufacture to disposal and cleanup.
Federal agencies are already mobilizing to implement these goals. The EPA is tightening regulations on chemical manufacturing for plastics production, while the Department of Interior is working to eliminate single-use plastics from public lands by 2032.
Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business at World Wildlife Fund: “As the single largest consumer in the world, the US federal government has an outsized role to play in curbing the use of problematic and unnecessary plastic products. The Administration’s commitment to removing single-use plastic products across an entity this large goes beyond the positive environmental effects, sending a message to the public and private sector across the world: if we can make change happen at scale, so can you."
The response from industry leaders and environmental organizations has been largely positive, albeit with notable reservations.
Many applaud the federal government’s acknowledgment of the severity of the plastic pollution crisis and its commitment to action. The comprehensive lifecycle approach has been particularly well-received, with leaders recognizing the potential for this strategy to influence both public and private sector practices globally.
However, critics argue that the plan doesn't go far enough. A primary concern is the absence of a cap on plastic production, which many environmental experts deem necessary for meaningful change. Some industry leaders call for more stringent, legally binding requirements for effective implementation.
Jen Fela, Vice President, Programs and Communications, Plastic Pollution Coalition: “We appreciate and applaud the Administration’s efforts to address plastic pollution in a comprehensive way with a full lifecycle approach. With this announcement, we’ve moved the needle, particularly with the language on plastic production, as the U.S. Government finally acknowledges key truths about the planetary plastic pollution crisis. However, the language must be backed up with actions that are commensurate with the urgency of the problem and fully in line with these truths. What we are still not seeing in this strategy is a cap on plastic production, which the science necessitates, along with legally binding requirements for implementation.”
For businesses, this federal strategy signals a clear shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding plastics. Companies involved in plastics production, packaging, or with heavy plastic use should anticipate increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes in the coming years.
The government’s push towards sustainable alternatives presents both challenges and opportunities. Businesses that innovate in reusable packaging, alternative materials, or improved recycling technologies may find themselves well-positioned in this evolving market.
While the Biden administration’s plan represents a significant step forward, the conversation around plastic pollution is far from over. As global awareness grows and public pressure mounts, business leaders should expect continued evolution in policy and market demands.
Acknowledging the plastic pollution crisis with this commitment to action set a new baseline for corporate responsibility, with the federal government leading the way. Forward-thinking executives will need to consider how their organizations can comply with these emerging standards and potentially get ahead of the curve in sustainable practices.
Shiv Srivastava, Policy Director, & Yvette Arellano, Founder/ Executive Director, Fenceline Watch: “The plan unveiled today by the United States fails to take the necessary step to meaningfully address the toxic global plastic crisis crippling the planet: production reduction. This plan boils down to federal procurement policy. The United States could seize the opportunity to be a leader in reducing the production of plastic rather than a plan lacking ambition, depth, or the vision necessary to protect environmental justice communities in the U.S. and vulnerable communities worldwide. Our government, along with the chemical industry, has crafted a plan that calls for MORE. MORE PLASTIC, MORE CHEMICALS, MORE TOXIC EXPOSURE, MORE HEALTH ISSUES, RECALLS, FALSE SOLUTIONS, MORE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, and ultimately MORE MONEY. We must continue organizing against corporate greed and neoliberal solutions that keep oppressing and sacrificing our lives.”
