Calls Grow to Ban Cigarette Filters as Plastic Pollution Treaty Stalls
GENEVA,Switzerland – Mounting pressure is being placed on international negotiators to include cigarette filters in a forthcoming United Nations treaty aimed at curbing global plastic pollution. While a landmark summit in geneva this past August failed to yield a final agreement on the treaty,advocates argue the moment is ripe to address the pervasive and ofen overlooked pollution caused by discarded cigarette filters – a product they deem unnecessary and deceptive.
The push for a ban gains momentum following similar actions taken at local levels. In 2024, Santa Cruz County, California, became the first jurisdiction in the world to vote in favor of prohibiting cigarette filters. This move echoes the European union’s 2021 directive addressing single-use plastics, which included measures for improved recycling of bottles, and demonstrates a growing willingness to tackle plastic waste at its source.
Cigarette filters,comprised largely of plastic cellulose acetate,are a important source of microplastic pollution. Despite being marketed as reducing harm, health and environmental defense groups – including the World Health Institution, Action On Smoking and Health, and Stop Tobacco Alliance Pollution – contend they serve no legitimate health benefit and contribute substantially to environmental damage.
Currently, the draft UN treaty mentions cigarette filters in annex X, a section outlining potential voluntary or compulsory restrictions.This placement allows for continued use, even of so-called “ecological” filters, and falls short of a complete elimination. Advocates are urging negotiators to move all cigarette filters to Annex Y, triggering a total and compulsory ban.
“What could be firmer than a pure and simple ban?” asked representatives from the aforementioned health and environmental groups. While acknowledging a ban wouldn’t instantly end smoking or eliminate all plastic pollution,they argue it would be a significant symbolic step,removing a harmful product from the market,reducing pollution,and promoting transparency in cigarette design. negotiations are expected to resume at a later date, leaving time for amendments to the treaty draft.
