This piece was initially published here in The National Interest.

In a “soul-searching” exercise, Democrats have quickly learned just how much Americans care about the cost of living. Even in California, policymakers are recognizing the unpopularity of costly and, in most instances, ineffective climate mandates, regulations, and lawsuits. Instead, policymakers on both sides of the aisle should embrace innovations that lower costs for consumers and reduce unwanted environmental byproducts. One area to start is the plastics sector. 

With the United Nations (UN) negotiations for a plastics treaty quickly approaching, the US industry is facing an onslaught of frivolous and contradictory litigation, led by California. Similar to baseless and extortive legal efforts that claim certain companies lied about their knowledge of climate change, the lawsuits allege that companies are deceiving consumers about the recyclability of plastics. If environmental policy and collaboration with international parties are to move forward in a way that, as Governor Gavin Newsom put it, is “thoughtful and considered,” legislators must recognize four essential realities. 

Plastics are Essential to Development and Affordability

The first is to understand the critical role plastics play in making our lives safer, cleaner, healthier, and more convenient. Most of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing poverty, improving food security, promoting good health, gaining access to affordable clean energy, and ensuring water, are unachievable without the availability and durability of cost-effective plastics. 

Secondly, excessive litigation and punitive regulations run counter to the Democrats’ newfound commitment to protecting American consumers. These policies and lawsuits will increase production and energy costs necessary for manufacturing; those higher prices will be passed on to families and businesses across the country. Everything from groceries and clothes to cars, computers, and iPhones will be more expensive. 

The US Plastics Industry is an Economic and Environmental Asset 

Third, enacting regulations that disadvantage American companies will not only harm a critical component of the American economy but could also have adverse environmental consequences. Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers at the American Chemistry Council, emphasized in recent testimony that the plastics industry in the United States supports more than 670,000 jobs and generates $46 billion in economic output.

Furthermore, American companies have a global carbon advantage in petrochemicals and plastics production. Many plastic goods are less energy-intensive to manufacture, and plastics also help improve energy efficiency in homes and vehicles. As the United States and industry engage in global treaty negotiations, any outcome must reflect the indispensable role plastics play in economic well-being and environmental progress.

Innovative Plastics Can Be Green

Fourth, innovation will be the driving factor that keeps costs low, reduces waste, and helps to meet our environmental ambitions. Despite the economic and environmental benefits that plastics bring to our lives, the overwhelming majority of Americans view plastic waste as a serious problem. While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic in the ocean, it is estimated that approximately 11 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. 

Minimizing the environmental impact while keeping the cost of living in check will likely come from a wide range of innovations, alternative materials, and new methods. Certain plastics are now made from plants, and fungi may hold the key to reducing ocean plastics. Researchers have recently discovered that a natural plant extract can remove up to 90 percent of microplastics from water. 

Technological improvements will enable the industry to provide the goods families need with a minimal environmental footprint. Advanced recycling technologies break down plastics into their basic building blocks, which can be remanufactured into new plastic products. Advanced recycling offers communities the opportunity to divert plastics from landfills, incinerators, and marine environments. With proper collection and sorting systems, advanced recycling technologies have the potential to recycle up to 90 percent of single-use plastics.  

For these technologies to work, however, policymakers must recognize the role of industry as a problem-solver, not a scapegoat. The growing bipartisan interest in improving recycling rates, supporting research and development, and promoting more circular use of plastics at a recent House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing was a step in the right direction. 

The UN Plastics Treaty Is a Chance to Lead With Innovation 

As the Trump administration, lawmakers, and industry turn their attention to the UN treaty negotiations, the United States should stand firm against production limits and feedstock uses that would increase costs to consumers. Instead, negotiations should focus on encouraging investment in innovative solutions and technologies and holding polluters accountable for the environmental damage they cause. 

If the UN aims for sustainable development, negotiation outcomes should not reflect a degrowth agenda but rather one that opens markets and incentivizes innovative technologies. The plastics industry can be at the forefront of solutions for green growth if policymakers allow it to be.  

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.