Inside the Global Plastics Treaty
The Global Plastics Treaty ambitiously aims to tackle plastic pollution but currently needs a defined scope. INC must unite on a legally binding document that addresses political, economic, and social realities, emphasizing the science behind responsible plastic use across sectors.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most discussed environmental problems of the 21st century. Global plastic production has reached unprecedented levels, and improper plastic waste management severely affects ecosystems and human health. In response to this crisis, the international community started working on a Global Plastics Treaty in 2022. This initiative addresses the production, use, and management of plastics worldwide. However, questions remain about whether the treaty will meet its proposed timeline.
Amid these debates, this article explores the Global Plastics Treaty. It details the negotiating committee, summarizes achievements, presents the negotiator’s viewpoints, and highlights SPE’s new role in the INC.
What is the Global Plastics Treaty?
The Global Plastics Treaty is a legally binding document that the UN describes as potentially “the most important multilateral environmental agreement since the Paris Agreement.” This agreement aims to reduce global plastic pollution. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) agreed upon this in March 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya, through resolution 5/14.
Although they still need to complete the final document of the treaty, they expect to finalize it by the end of this year, following the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) in Busan, Republic of Korea.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) leads the development of the Global Plastics Treaty. It includes representatives from various countries, international organizations, and environmental experts. This committee collaborates with UNEP, UN agencies, NGOs, civil society, the private sector, and scientists. The committee focuses on designing a legal and regulatory framework that is effective and applicable globally. They aim to ensure countries adopt and comply with the commitments to address plastic pollution.
Negotiation Sessions
The INC planned five negotiation sessions between 2022 and 2024 to finalize the legal details of the Global Plastics Treaty. So far, they have met four times. They held the first session (INC-1) in November 2022 in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The second round of negotiations (INC-2) took place in Paris, France, in June 2023. They held the third session (INC-3) in Nairobi, Kenya, at the end of 2023. The fourth session (INC-4) occurred in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2024. The final session (INC-5) will be at the end of this year in Busan, Republic of Korea.
Timeline outlining the pathway to a global plastic treaty. Courtesy of Geneva Environment Network.
Advances and Challenges
The fourth session of the INC (INC-4) on the treaty revealed progress in waste management and plastic product design. However, significant divergences remain regarding the scope of the treaty. The debates highlighted the difficulty of addressing plastic production at its source. They also emphasized the need for a just transition that considers the vulnerabilities of landlocked states and small island states. Although negotiators achieved some advances in textual negotiations, the path to a final agreement remains full of challenges. Particularly, on crucial issues such as primary plastic polymers and funding for treaty implementation.
Countries Divergences on Treaty Scopes
Opinions differ, and countries argue based on their current situation. Many countries support the Global Plastics Treaty, especially those facing plastic pollution problems and leading efforts in waste management. Countries like Norway, Japan, and Germany have expressed strong support for the treaty, highlighting the need for coordinated global action. However, not all countries favor the treaty. Some plastic-producing countries, such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China, have shown resistance. This is due to the potential economic and regulatory implications the treaty could have on their industries. These countries argue that the proposed restrictions could affect their industry’s competitiveness and negatively impact their economies.
Comprehensive Views from Various Actors
The plastic industry, represented by major companies such as Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, and BASF, plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty. These companies face pressure to reduce their environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable practices. Some have begun investing in advanced recycling technologies and the production of biodegradable plastics. Others have resisted strict regulations, arguing that these could impact profitability and innovation capacity.
In addition to governments and companies, several additional actors promote and develop the treaty:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Groups like Greenpeace, the WWF, and Ocean Conservancy actively advocate for reducing plastic pollution and push for adopting stricter measures.
- Scientific and academic communities: Researchers and scientists develop alternative materials and recycling technologies and study the environmental and health impacts of plastics.
- Civil society: Civil society’s participation is crucial for the treaty’s success. Public awareness campaigns and education on the relevance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics help change consumer behavior.
Each of these actors plays an important role in negotiating the treaty. Their observations and contributions provide a comprehensive view. This prevents the consolidation of extremist and prohibitive treaties that would likely not yield successful results.
Photo on the last day of INC-4, delegates gathered early in the morning, striving to find a path forward. Courtesy of IISD.
SPE’s UN Environment Assembly Accreditation
As part of the enrichment of opinions that the INC requires for drafting the treaty document, the UNEA has accredited SPE, granting it observer status. It will allow SPE to participate actively in UNEP activities, including the INC. This recognition will enable SPE to influence worldwide environmental plastics policies based on objective science. It will also contribute to developing a legally binding international treaty to address plastic pollution. SPE will leverage its accreditation to provide scientific knowledge and balance negotiations. They will participate in various meetings and collaborate in drafting statements for UNEP.
Future Outlook
The Global Plastics Treaty represents an opportunity to address the plastic pollution crisis. However, numerous challenges and much work remain to meet the goals established in 2022. A combination of strict policies, economic incentives, investment in infrastructure, education, and international cooperation will be necessary.
As more countries and companies join efforts to reduce plastics, we will likely see an increase in innovation. It will lead to the development of new technologies and materials. The participation of organizations like SPE will be essential to advance these areas. They will ensure that the proposed solutions are effective and sustainable.
Ultimately, political will and international cooperation will determine the success of the Global Plastics Treaty in implementing and enforcing the necessary measures.