As Time Runs Out on Plastics Treaty Talks, Industry Highlights the Need for Focused and Collaborative Solutions

Today marks a critical juncture as the United Nations concludes its latest round of negotiations on a global plastics agreement without reaching a finalized text. While it is unfortunate the agreement could not be reached within the unprecedented two-year timeline set forth, this outcome underscores the complexity of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale and the need for further deliberations to achieve an effective, inclusive and workable treaty.

The plastics and chemical industries remain committed to constructive engagement in this process. Since the 2022 UNEA resolution, we have provided expertise and solutions to tackle challenges such as high-leakage plastic products and transparency on chemicals in plastics. Tools like ICCA’s Plastics Additives Database and our proposed decision tree assessment tool are available to support countries in developing targeted, science-based solutions.

It is crucial that this treaty stays focused on addressing the primary cause of plastic pollution—mismanaged waste. With 2.7 billion people globally lacking access to waste collection systems, solutions must prioritize addressing this gap, rather than imposing provisions that could lead to greater environmental or economic harm, such as supply restrictions or duplicative measures on chemicals in plastics.

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There is a better way to end pollution – a circular economy for plastics, where plastics are designed for reuse and recycling and collected and remade into new products at end of life. The treaty can send the right signals, such as recycled plastic targets in national action plans and guidance to design plastics for reuse and recycling, that can accelerate our transition from a linear to circular economy. We are encouraged to see progress on these issues at INC-5.

While we had hoped for an agreement by the end of INC-5, there is now an opportunity for governments to reflect on areas of potential convergence as they head into INC-5.2. Governments should not let the pursuit of perfection stand in the way of achieving a good agreement that is within reach.

Submit your commentary or opinion to Editorial Director Stefanie Valentic at [email protected].