The Global Plastics Treaty: A New Era of Opportunity for Plastics Talent and Innovation

In 2025, the plastics industry is entering a landmark chapter. With more than 170 countries moving toward finalising the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty, the sector is being called to lead in sustainability, innovation and long-term resilience.

Rather than targeting plastics as a material, the treaty aims to reshape how plastics are designed, produced, used and recovered; promoting a circular economy that aligns environmental responsibility with commercial growth. According to the UN Environment Programme, the treaty could reduce plastic pollution by 80% by 2040, through smarter production, reuse and recycling systems.

Progress Requires People

The treaty presents a moment of transformation for plastics businesses. It will create new opportunities in areas such as advanced recycling, sustainable material development, clean tech integration and supply chain redesign.

As a result, the industry is seeing a sharp rise in demand for skills in sustainability, environmental compliance, product stewardship and materials innovation. The PLASTICS (Plastics Industry Association)'s 2024 Impact Report shows the sector is already outpacing broader manufacturing in employment growth, a trend set to accelerate.

A Time to Invest in Talent

To remain competitive and compliant, plastics businesses will need to invest in their people as well as upskilling existing teams and attracting new talent with circular economy expertise and a forward-thinking mindset.

At Listgrove Ltd, we are proud to support businesses across the plastics and packaging sector as they navigate this exciting shift. Our role is to help you find and develop the people who will turn sustainability goals into commercial advantage.

The Global Plastics Treaty signals not just regulatory change but strategic opportunity, the companies that act early, with the right talent in place, will be the ones who lead this new era.

For more information on how Listgrove Ltd can support your talent plans, please contact Ryan Kirby.