Shina Ansari, speaking at a conference titled “Plastic Pollution Crisis:
New Challenges and Opportunities”, warned that plastic waste has become one
of the world’s most pressing environmental concerns. She said global efforts in
recent years to restrict plastic consumption highlight the urgency of building
international consensus on the issue.
“Plastic pollution, particularly in water sources and oceans, poses serious
risks to human health and ecosystems,” Ansari said. “Microplastics can enter
water supplies and create long-term health hazards.”
She noted that while plastics play a key role in sectors such as healthcare
and construction, they have also generated widespread environmental damage,
visible in tourist destinations and coastal areas.
Ansari urged Iranian industries, especially polymer producers, to adopt
waste management practices and invest in eco-friendly technologies. “Our
industries, through green technologies and the production of environmentally
friendly products, can minimize plastic-related pollution,” she said.
She added that environmental issues can only be resolved through global
cooperation and said the petrochemical sector has recognized that moving toward
sustainability is unavoidable.
“We welcome the petrochemical industry’s active participation in this area
and hope these measures will bring tangible progress in reducing plastic
pollution,” Ansari said.