Why medical products must not be excluded from the Global Plastics Treaty

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The proposed exemption of medical and health-related plastics from the Global Plastics Treaty undermines efforts to address the full lifecycle harms of plastic. While plastics have supported modern health care, their widespread use – often driven by convenience and commercial interests – poses serious environmental and human health risks, including exposure to toxic additives and microplastics. Discarded medical plastics disproportionately affect low-income and disadvantaged communities. Rather than exempting health products, the Treaty should apply consistent safeguards, promote innovation, and support sustainable alternatives. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation will help align public health goals with environmental protection and equitable global responsibility.

Full citation

Street, Alice, Ruth Stringer, Peter Mangesho, Rob Ralston, and Jeremy Greene. ‘Why Medical Products Must Not Be Excluded from the Global Plastics Treaty’. The Lancet 404, no. 10464 (November 2024): 1708–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(24)02254-2.