Global Plastic Treaty: Overview and Key Issues

The ongoing discussions within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) focus on establishing a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic waste, with particular attention to creating fair conditions for informal waste workers.

What is the Global Plastic Treaty?

Launched in 2021 during the fifth UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, the Global Plastics Treaty is a significant international initiative aimed at tackling plastic pollution worldwide. The treaty has progressed through meetings in various locations, including Dakar, Senegal; Paris, France; Nairobi, Kenya; and Uruguay, with the final meeting scheduled for South Korea. The International Alliance of Waste Pickers has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of informal waste workers in the treaty, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable waste management policies.

Understanding Plastics

Plastics are synthetic materials made from polymers, which are long chains of repeating units. There are two main types of plastics:

• Thermoplastics: These can be repeatedly softened and reshaped.
• Thermosets: These harden permanently when heated and cannot be remelted.

Global Plastic Pollution Issues

• Plastic Waste Growth: The global production of plastic reached 353 million tonnes in 2019 and is expected to triple by 2060.
• Low Recycling Rates: Only 9% of plastics are recycled globally, while 50% end up in landfills and 19% are incinerated.
• Role of the Informal Sector: The informal sector recycles 85% of the plastics that are recycled, playing a key role in waste reduction.
• Impact on Workers: Workers in this sector face risks such as job loss due to privatization and exclusion from policy decisions.
• Environmental Harm: Without the informal sector’s efforts, 60 million tonnes of plastic would pollute the environment each year.

Key Components of the Global Plastic Treaty

1. Global Objectives: The treaty aims to reduce marine and environmental plastic pollution, with a focus on global goals and ecosystem impact assessments.
2. International Cooperation: It may establish mechanisms for wealthier nations to support developing countries in their efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
3. Bans and Targets: Proposals include bans on specific plastic products and additives, along with binding recycling targets.
4. Chemical Testing: There may be mandates to test certain chemicals in plastics for safety and environmental protection.
5. Consideration for Informal Workers: The treaty may include provisions for ensuring a fair transition for waste pickers, particularly in developing countries where many depend on the plastic industry for their livelihoods.
6. Progress Monitoring: There will likely be mechanisms for assessing the progress of treaty signatories in reducing plastic pollution.

Challenges Facing the Global Plastic Treaty

• Differences Among Countries: There are differing views, such as the High Ambition Coalition advocating for ambitious goals like eliminating plastic pollution by 2040, while others, including the U.S., prefer voluntary measures.
• Industry Influence: Some oil-producing countries and fossil fuel corporations seek to weaken the treaty, particularly by opposing production limits and focusing solely on waste management.
• Agreement Scope: Key issues include defining what constitutes plastic pollution and the types of plastics to be banned or restricted.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Establishing a reliable system for reporting and monitoring progress is a challenge, particularly due to concerns over national self-reporting.
• Financing and Governance: Adequate funding and governance mechanisms must be agreed upon to ensure effective implementation.

India’s Position at INC

India advocates for maintaining its sovereign right to sustainable development and emphasizes the importance of equity in addressing plastic pollution. India has voiced opposition to restrictions on the production of primary plastic polymers, arguing they exceed the scope of the UNEA resolution. India also supports evidence-based decisions on chemicals and advocates for nationally tailored approaches to managing plastic waste, particularly through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Role of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

The INC was established by UNEP in March 2022 to create a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution. Its mandate includes addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact, particularly in marine environments. The committee has held several meetings to refine the treaty’s provisions and will continue to do so until the final session in South Korea.