Plastics’ safety benefits for healthcare highlighted ahead of INC-5

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), the Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF), and the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) are jointly emphasising the critical role plastics play in healthcare, urging negotiators at the upcoming INC-5 plastics treaty discussions to recognise the safety benefits plastics provide in medical and pharmaceutical contexts.

While supporting a global treaty to address plastic pollution, the organisations highlight the importance of a harmonised, global framework that balances environmental goals with patient safety. They stress that plastics are indispensable in healthcare, being integral to medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, and the broader pharmaceutical lifecycle. As such, any measures implemented under the treaty must ensure they do not disrupt access to essential medicinal and medical products.

The organisations advocate for close coordination between health regulators, environmental policymakers, and manufacturers to avoid regulatory conflicts. They also call for a globally consistent approach to quality and safety standards, allowing for a phased transition to alternative materials where feasible, while maintaining patient safety as a priority. Limited exemptions should be considered in cases where safe, high-quality alternatives are unavailable at scale.

By adopting harmonised rules and extending compliance periods aligned with regulatory timelines, the treaty can safeguard health and sustainability simultaneously. Such an approach, the organisations argue, will enable society to retain the benefits of plastics in healthcare while promoting environmental stewardship, patient safety, and climate resilience.

See the original joint statement here.