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To align plastic policies with tobacco control
and make polluters pay

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Key Messages

Tobacco’s Toxic Plastics in Our Oceans

Every year, our environment is inundated with over 4 trillion plastic cigarette filters, many of which end up in our precious oceans. These filters, also known as butts, contain harmful microplastics that take over a decade to decompose. During this period, they release toxic chemicals and metals like arsenic, lead, and ethyl phenol, posing a grave threat to both terrestrial and aquatic life.

Cigarette Filters Harm Both Health and Environment and Must be Banned

Cigarette filters are a stark example of the tobacco industry’s flawed product design. Despite being perceived as a safety feature that enhances the appeal of cigarettes, these filters have been linked to a more aggressive form of cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have called for a ban on cigarette filters and for holding the tobacco industry responsible for its environmental damages.

STPA: Plastics Policies Must Align with Tobacco Control Policies

While many countries have introduced policies to regulate plastics, very few have specifically addressed the issue of cigarette butts. At the same time, the world’s governments are uniting to save our oceans from the harmful impact of plastics through the UN Plastics Treaty Negotiations. In recognition of an urgent need, the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) and Action on Smoking & Health (ASH) brought together advocates from around the world to establish the STOP Tobacco Pollution Alliance. This alliance aims to promote the alignment between the WHO FCTC and the plastics treaty, ban filters, and to make the tobacco industry pay.

INC Updates

Solution

Advancing against plastic pollution: WHO FCTC recognition and support for cigarette filter ban

The WHO FCTC was recognized in the draft Preamble during a plenary at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the UN Plastics Pollution Treaty, following months of advocacy and technical assistance by GGTC, a convenor of the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance (STPA), including a powerful statement delivered by Laura Salgado, GGTC Head of Campaign and Partnerships, on behalf of the STPA members. Cigarette filters and other tobacco-related products were included in the list of avoidable and problematic plastics. Furthermore, in a joint statement, WHO called for a ban on cigarette filters and other single-use tobacco plastic products.