Plastic not so fantastic

Plastic permanently pollutes nature, and the consequences for our health are becoming increasingly clear. Recent research by the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam[1] revealed that microplastics can even be found in our bloodstream. The concentration of microplastics in the environment and the air is rising rapidly, meaning we are eating, drinking, and inhaling plastic. We are actively engaged on the topic of plastic through an innovative collaboration with the Plastic Soup Foundation and sustainability consultancy Earth Action.

Plastic Soup Foundation

From 25 November to 1 December, the Plastic Soup Foundation will participate in the fifth negotiation round of the Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, South Korea. This UN-initiated treaty, which began in 2022, aims to establish a globally legally binding agreement to combat plastic pollution. While the negotiations are promising, challenges remain particularly regarding the scope and stringency of the measures. The treaty is expected to be finalized in 2025.

Exclusive plastic footprint pilot

a.s.r. asset management is currently running a pilot for a method that calculates the plastic footprint of investment portfolios. This method not only analyzes the environmental impact of plastic, but also considers its effects on human health. The pilot is considered exclusive, as no previous initiative has tested such a methodology including health impacts and because a.s.r. is the only financial institution participating in this project.

The pilot builds on the investor statement by VBDO, previously signed by a.s.r., which urges companies that heavily rely on plastic packaging to take urgent and concrete steps. These include committing to reducing plastic use, supporting ambitious policy measures such as the Global Plastics Treaty, and identifying and eliminating harmful chemicals in products and packaging.