Exposing Plastic Risk
A new analysis of 8,200+ documents shows that while plastic risk disclosures are rising, this is happening selectively, as 83% of documents from the plastic value chain still make no mention of plastic-related risks. Most plastic risk disclosures focus on circularity, accounting for 73% of all risk disclosures. References to feedstock and pollution were minimal, while mention of toxins, microplastics and refillables were even rarer.
Exposing Plastic Risk Dashboard
To help readers examine the measured risk as perceived by corporates, we developed a dashboard which allows users to filter by the segment or theme of disclosure.
Related Content
| Image | Title | Summary | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 | A Financial Market’s Perspective of INC-5 for a Global Plastics Treaty | The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, commonly called the Global Plastics Treaty, has concluded in Busan, South Korea. No agreement was reached although this was expected to be the final round. While some progress was made, unresolved disagreements on critical measures such as capping plastic production and addressing hazardous chemicals, prevented consensus. An additional round (INC-5.2) is expected to be held next year. Planet Tracker urges financial institutions, policymakers, and businesses to strengthen their efforts and stand firm in advocating for a treaty that addresses the root causes of plastic pollution. | 3 December 2024 |
 | Plastic Recycling Deception | The global plastic industry’s long-standing narrative of recycling as the panacea for plastic pollution is debunked in this report by Planet Tracker, which sheds light on the deceptive practices employed by the plastic industry, urging stakeholders to re-evaluate their approach to plastic waste management. The industry’s use of resin identification codes (RIC), often mistaken for recycling symbols, has misled policymakers, regulators and consumers into believing in the circularity of plastic. Planet Tracker’s report reveals a stark reality: globally, 91% of plastic is not recycled. | 19 June 2024 |
 | What financial institutions should take away from the 4th round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations | What are the key takeaways for financial institutions from the fourth negotiating round of the global plastic treaty? There are five key considerations: the scope of the treaty remains contentious; chemicals of concern will be discussed in the intersessional meetings; plastic production limits will not be discussed until late November; industry wants to avoid a producer pays approach to financing the plastic pollution clean-up; a record turnout of attendees. | 13 May 2024 |
 | The Global Plastic Pollution Treaty negotiations – what financial institutions should watch out for… | As the fourth negotiating round of the global plastic treaty approaches, what should financial institutions be looking out for? There are five main considerations: are upstream petrochemical producers in scope; Will hazardous chemicals be called out; Will there be product restrictions? Who will finance the transition? Will the final treaty text be mandatory or voluntary? The implications for the financial markets could be significant. | 16 April 2024 |
 | Is Bayer a litigation leading indicator? | Planet Tracker analysis of Bayer filings and presentations (e.g. annual reports, earnings calls, shareholder meetings) demonstrates that mentions of litigation have risen since 2020, notably in the annual report. On earnings calls, where analysts are given an opportunity to question the management team, it is also being raised. This hints that the ongoing threat from litigation is seen as of significance to the financial market valuations. | 14 March 2024 |
 | Negotiations for a Global Plastic Pollution Treaty (INC-3) – Insights for Financial Institutions | At the end of 2021, following an international consensus to negotiate a legally binding Global Plastic Pollution Treaty by the end of 2024. | 20 November 2023 |
 | Plastic Risk | Analysis of equity risk premia of 150 top corporates in the plastic value chain finds risk perception in industry is at its lowest level since 2011. | 6 June 2023 |
| Title |
|---|
| A Financial Market’s Perspective of INC-5 for a Global Plastics Treaty |
| Plastic Recycling Deception |
| What financial institutions should take away from the 4th round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations |
| The Global Plastic Pollution Treaty negotiations – what financial institutions should watch out for… |
| Is Bayer a litigation leading indicator? |
| Negotiations for a Global Plastic Pollution Treaty (INC-3) – Insights for Financial Institutions |
| Plastic Risk |
