Resolution

Resolution of the 2nd Conference ‘Microplastics in Polymer Science
(01-05 October 2024, Velikiy Novgorod)

To express gratitude to the Organizing Committee, Programme Committee and Local Committee for the success of the Conference in 2024. To point out the increase in the quality of talks at the Conference in 2024 compared to 2023, the increase in the number of participants (130 attendees) and expansion of their geography (5 countries, including Russia).

To acknowledge the importance of the organization of the next conference ‘Microplastics in Polymer Science’ in 2025; the Organizing Committee should pay a special attention to the expansion of the international participation and consider the possibility to organize the conference abroad.

To point out the importance of further research on microplastics, including the investigation of the possible influence of additives used in plastics on the environmental and human health, and to recommend the expansion of research on microplastics in a variety of media, not only in aqueous media. Such work should pay a particular attention to the sample preparation and harmonization of the isolation and characterization methods for microplastics, which may be critical to obtain reliable data. When investigating the risks associated with microplastics, encourage researchers to compare microplastics with natural polymer particles and natural microparticles of similar size (in particular, cellulose and mineral microscopic particles). Additionally, attention should be drawn to the importance of educational programmes on plastic waste and microplastics.

Based on the results of the round table ‘Microplastics in Agriculture’ and different reports of the conference, to point out the inexpediency of the principle of the sectoral regulation to prevent plastic waste pollution at the international level and to support the possibility of taking this principle into account at the national level.

To point out the importance of establishing correct definitions of the terms “plastics” and “microplastics”, taking into account UNEA Resolution 5/14, and to take into account existing international mechanisms for the regulations of chemicals of concern, keeping in mind the properties of plastics (plastics inertness). Recommend to the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to initiate the development of these definitions with IUPAC, taking into account the scope of UNEA Resolution 5/14. Regarding the issue of these definitions and criteria for classifying certain compounds as substances of concern, it is necessary to take into account the opinion of the scientific community and specialists in various areas of research (polymer chemistry and physics, biology, toxicology, environmental protection, etc.).

To create an effective international tool to reduce plastic waste pollution, recognize at the current stage the following elements as a key to the objectives of the future Treaty:
• Management of plastic waste;
• Product design;
• Extended producer responsibility;
• Reuse and repair of plastic products;
• Cooperation with other multilateral environmental agreements;
• Building capacity, technical assistance and technology transfer, including international cooperation;
• Existing plastic waste pollution as one of the sources of microplastics.

Adopted at the 2nd Conference “Microplastics in Polymer Science”

4 October 2024.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee                                                         S.V. Lyulin