The Global Plastics Treaty
From plastic pollution to solutions
In recent years, scientific research on plastics has surged, technological innovations in plastic management have advanced, and legislative frameworks have grown more robust. Yet, despite increased awareness and efforts, global plastic production—and the resulting pollution—continue to escalate. By 2040, virgin plastic production is expected to rise by 66% compared to 2019 levels. Managing this growing tide of plastics is becoming an increasingly daunting task worldwide.
A "glocal" challenge: the interconnected impact of plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is a “glocal” crisis—where local and global scales are intricately linked. At the local level, plastic waste impacts communities, ecosystems, and economies. Globally, the production and distribution of plastics are part of an interconnected supply chain, with materials and products crossing international boundaries. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated global action.
Global coordination: the birth of a legally binding treaty
The race against time: INC negotiations in progress
What’s at stake: the core topics of negotiation
The negotiations cover a wide array of topics, from highly technical issues like chemicals and polymers of concern to broader social matters such as just transitions. These discussions can be grouped into three main categories:
1. Upstream solutions: Focusing on phasing out problematic chemicals and plastics, product design enhancements to improve recyclability, and policies promoting reuse and refill to reduce single-use plastics.
2. Downstream solutions: Addressing waste management, including plastic waste collection, sorting, and recycling processes.
3. Implementation mechanisms: Covering financing mechanisms, capacity building, and technology transfer. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems are a significant part of these conversations, as they play a key role in implementing and financing the treaty’s provisions.