Corporate engagement in mitigating plastic pollution: examining voluntary initiatives and EU regulations

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, with far-reaching ecological, economic, and social implications. This article addresses the fragmented nature of the current literature on plastic pollution regulations and their impact on the corporate sector and aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current EU regulatory framework and corporate voluntary self-regulatory initiatives relevant to plastic pollution. Examining voluntary initiatives – including corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and the emerging concept of plastic credits – in terms of their potential to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability, the article presents novel insights on how different regulatory mechanisms and voluntary self-regulatory initiatives engage the corporate sector in mitigating plastic pollution. While highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and businesses, the study critically evaluates the challenges and limitations of current approaches. It addresses concerns about the efficacy and transparency of CSR initiatives, with particular attention to the issue of greenwashing and its potential legal implications. By synthesizing diverse sources, this article emphasizes the need to combine stringent regulatory frameworks with responsible business practices to engage the corporate sector in preventing and mitigating plastic pollution, specifically within the context of the European Union’s pioneering environmental policy. Ultimately, the study suggests that the most effective long-term solution lies in reducing plastic production altogether while acknowledging the role of transitional measures in the interim.