While over 100 nations push for reduced plastic production, oil states are advocating recycling-focused strategies. This marks the sixth failed round of talks in under three years.
Growing Concerns Around Plastic Pollution
Plastics may benefit industries worldwide, but scientists warn of toxic chemicals contaminating soil, rivers, and even the human body. Governments are taking action - for example, the UK banned single-use cutlery, balloon sticks, and polystyrene containers in October 2023. However, with only 10% of the UK’s 2.7 billion single-use cutlery items recycled annually, more robust plastic pollution solutions are needed.
igus Supports the Circular Economy
igus welcomed the UK’s move as a step toward reducing environmental harm. The company continues to push beyond bans through its chainage recycling program, which allows customers to return used plastic energy chains for responsible reuse — keeping plastics in circulation and out of landfills.
Sustainable Engineering with Long-Lasting Plastics
igus is also advancing material innovation. Its self-lubricating, high-performance polymers extend product lifecycles, reduce maintenance, and eliminate external lubricants that can harm ecosystems. By creating safer, PFAS-tested and PTFE-free alternatives, igus offers customers sustainable options without performance trade-offs.
Plastics as Part of the Solution
“This situation highlights how important it is to rethink how we use and dispose of plastics,” said Matthew Aldridge, Managing Director at igus UK. “Sustainability must be designed into materials and systems. Our goal is to move industries beyond single-use thinking and toward long-lasting, recyclable solutions.”
Building a Future with Plastic Pollution Solutions
Despite the collapse of UN negotiations, igus continues to prove that innovation, recycling, and material engineering can turn plastics into part of the solution rather than the problem. With a focus on circular economy practices, igus is helping industries worldwide reduce waste and accelerate sustainable change.
