News item | 12-08-2025 | 11:24
State Secretary Thierry Aartsen will be present at the top about the UN plastic treaty in Geneva on Wednesday. On behalf of the Netherlands, he participates in consultations with the environmental ministers from UN countries.
State Secretary Aartsen: “In Geneva I have the chance to take a historic step together with my fellow environmentalists. Together we can ensure that we are cleaning the world cleaner to subsequent generations. As a young father I feel that responsibility extra-and I know that many recognize that. Plastic waste should not be in nature. Supporting plastic pollution and providing a fair playing field for sustainable and circular entrepreneurs that connect with existing European and Dutch agreements that can remain the leader in the circular economy.
Earning capacity
Aartsen emphasizes the importance of making good agreements about the smarter handling of plastic. Aartsen: “What we try to agree on here about plastic pollution is crucial for the future of Dutch companies, our earning capacity and households. Producing less virgin plastic, more sustainable plastic designs, using fewer plastic products, more reuse and better recycling: these are all important steps. Really less plastic junk ends up in nature, that we are less exposed to harmful (micro) plastics, and that it makes our economy stronger. ”
In Geneva, the Netherlands is committed to a global legally binding treaty to prevent plastic pollution to protect human and the environment health. Aartsen: “We are going to do everything we can to complete this treaty this week. I will talk about that on Wednesday with my colleagues from the other countries.”
Strategic dealing with valuable materials and raw materials
Circular production and consumption, where less and longer use of materials and products is central, offers excellent opportunities for dealing more strategically with valuable materials and raw materials. The Netherlands has a large innovative power in this area. Betting on circular production and consumption therefore offers the opportunity to:
- To strengthen the future earning capacity and the (international) competitive position of Dutch industry
- To increase the availability of important materials and raw materials and strengthen our independence
- Reduce the impact on our living environment, health, biodiversity and climate.
This way we make our economy not only cleaner, but also stronger and less dependent on other countries.