The Global Plastics Treaty’s negotiations under the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) have halted. While the session marked significant progress, unresolved issues indicate that further negotiations will be needed to create a comprehensive solution to the global plastic crisis.
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Introduction to the UN Plastics Treaty
The UN Plastics Treaty is an international initiative aimed at tackling plastic pollution through a legally binding framework. To achieve this, an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established to draft the treaty, which has been under negotiation through multiple sessions from its initial establishment in 2022.
WWF Raises Alarms Before the INC-5 Session
In the lead-up to the 5th INC meeting in Busan, South Korea, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) expressed deep concerns about the draft framework, known as the “non-paper,” which was set to guide discussions. While WWF acknowledged that the document was an improvement over earlier versions, the organization criticized it for leaving critical gaps unaddressed.
One of WWF’s primary concerns was the absence of explicit measures to ban or phase out hazardous plastic products and chemicals, despite widespread support from many countries for such actions. The organization also criticized the non-paper for failing to establish mandatory standards for sustainable product design. It noted that binding rules on aspects such as recyclability, durability, and the use of recycled materials were crucial for achieving long-term environmental benefits.
Another contentious issue was the lack of provisions to limit global plastic production. WWF argued that without measures addressing the supply side, the treaty might fall short of addressing the escalating scale of production.
Conclusion of INC-5 in Busan
After intense negotiations spanning several days, the INC-5 meeting in Busan concluded with the adoption of a draft text, referred to as the “Chair’s Text“. to serve as the foundation for future deliberations. Over 3,300 participants, including representatives from 170 countries and 440 observer organizations, attended the session, which marked a pivotal moment in the treaty’s development.
While participants recognized significant strides in aligning positions and defining the treaty’s structure, it became clear that some issues remained unresolved. Persistent disagreements on critical points led to a consensus to continue discussions in 2025. Despite the delays, there was broad acknowledgment of the progress made in narrowing differences and solidifying the treaty’s framework.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations continue into 2025, the UN Plastics Treaty remains a critical focal point in the fight against plastic pollution. Advocates, including WWF and other environmental organizations, stress the importance of closing existing gaps to ensure the treaty’s effectiveness and adaptability. The next session will be pivotal in determining whether the world can achieve a unified and robust framework to combat the growing plastic crisis.
