CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Cigarette filters in UN plastics treaty
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1
Knowledge Management, Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, New Delhi, India
 
2
Global Public Policy and Strategy, Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, Manilla, Philippines
 
 
Publication date: 2025-06-23
 
 
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2025;23(Suppl 1):A235
 
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ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The inclusion of cigarette filters in the future UN treaty to curb plastic pollution presents an opportunity to address a significant source of plastic waste. Cigarette filters, primarily made of cellulose acetate, are a major contributor to plastic pollution and pose environmental and public health risks. Despite being marketed as a safety feature, these filters offer no proven health benefits and are linked to more harmful cancers. Their elimination under international agreements could serve both environmental and public health goals; however, it may invite tobacco industry interference, as plastics policies adopt an inclusive stakeholder approach.
METHODS: This research examines the relevant negotiating texts for the UN Plastics Treaty, particularly the Compilation Text and the Chair's texts. We explore provisions related to cigarette filters, potential conflicts with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), and the challenges posed by provisions that invite tobacco industry involvement in policy-making. The analysis also reviews FCTC Article 5.3, which prohibits tobacco industry influence in policymaking.
RESULTS: The Compilation Text includes cigarette filters for elimination, while the Chair's Non-Paper and latest text, omits them. However, both texts contain several provisions related to plastic products/alternatives, product design, private sector inclusions/ participation in sections like Emissions, Existing Pollution, Waste Management, and Financial Mechanism that could encourage tobacco industry involvement in treaty negotiations, conflicting with FCTC guidelines, and undermining Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC. All texts have provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which could be implemented as a form of CSR.
CONCLUSIONS: To align with the WHO FCTC, provisions regarding plastic pollution and tobacco products must include safeguards to protect public health from tobacco industry interference. The UN plastics treaty could reference the WHO FCTC to strengthen policy coherence and prevent conflicts between environmental and public health goals.
eISSN:1617-9625
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