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New Reuse Alliance
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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.
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.
Recognising the urgent need for a global approach, governments worldwide took action in March 2022. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted the Resolution 5/14, which led to the creation of an International Negotiating Committee (INC), tasked with drafting an international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution, including its impact on marine environments.
The INC began its work in late 2022, with the goal of finalising a legally binding treaty by the end of 2024. The first session (INC-1) took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, in November 2022, setting the stage for discussions on the treaty’s objectives and scope. As negotiations progressed to the second session (INC-2) in Paris, France, in May 2023, coalitions began to form, and debates intensified around voting procedures and the treaty’s binding nature. The publication of the Zero Draft in September 2023 marked a significant milestone, laying the groundwork for future negotiations. By the third session (INC-3) in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2023—marking the halfway point in the process—the draft had tripled in size (Revised Zero Draft), reflecting the incorporation of numerous options and the growing complexity of the discussions.
At the fourth session (INC-4) in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2024, the negotiations advanced and led to the publication of the compilation of draft treaty text. However, numerous unresolved issues remained, marked by brackets in the text. One major challenge still looms large: the scope of the treaty. Interpretations of UNEA Resolution 5/14 vary widely, particularly regarding what constitutes the “full lifecycle of plastics” and whether the treaty should address plastic production itself. The final session (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, in November 2024, will be critical in reaching a consensus and refining the treaty.
As one diplomat noted after the negotiations, “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed“.
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.
Reuse and refill systems are part of the global discussions, specifically addressed in Part II, Section 5.b of the draft text, which focuses on product design. Reuse, refill, and repair are seen as essential tools for reducing plastic pollution and fostering the circularity of plastics. However, the concept of reuse and refill remains vague and lacks clarity for many stakeholders at the global level.
Recognising this gap, New ERA decided to actively participate in the negotiations. New ERA attended INC-4 in Ottawa, where we engaged with delegations and stakeholders from around the world to advocate for the integration of reuse and refill into the Global Plastics Treaty. We participated in events to raise awareness and educate on the benefits of reuse systems. Our recommendations aim to ensure that reuse and refill become integral components of the final agreement.
As the INC negotiations continue, it is clear that achieving a legally binding treaty by the end of 2024 will require significant consensus-building. New ERA remains committed to pushing for robust reuse and refill policies within the treaty, as we believe they are key to a sustainable future in packaging. Our work at the international level is far from over, but with continued collaboration and advocacy, we can influence the global shift from single-use plastics to more sustainable reuse systems.
