SWITCH-Asia

The fifth round of negotiations for a Global Plastic Treaty, held in Busan, South Korea from November 25 to December 1, 2024, marked a critical juncture in the global effort to tackle plastic pollution. Convened as the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), the talks thought to advance towards the world's first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. While negotiators from over 170 countries did not achieve a consensus on key issues the discussions highlighted the complexity of addressing this urgent global challenge. The negotiations concluded with both progress and areas requiring further deliberation. Notable progress was made in some areas where views converged, laying a stronger foundation for continued dialogue. This progress and the remaining challenges identified provide a roadmap for future negotiations that are anticipated to take place at INC-5.2 in early in 2025, potentially in February.

Areas of convergence

Negotiators made significant progress on several key issues during INC-5.

1. Waste management: There was convergence on the need for enhanced waste management systems globally, particularly in developing countries. Many nations agreed on the importance of extended producer responsibility schemes and the scaling-up of waste management infrastructure.
2. Product design for better recyclability and durability: There was broad consensus on the need to improve product design and increase recyclability and durability of plastic products.
3. Microplastics: Negotiators also found common ground on measures to address microplastics, with widespread support for banning intentionally added microplastics in products.
4. Informal sector: There was general agreement on the importance of addressing the informal waste sector and ensuring a just transition for workers in the plastics industry as part of the treaty's implementation.

Remaining challenges

Negotiators faced significant hurdles in reaching consensus on several critical points that already characterized the previous negotiation rounds:

1. Production Limits: One of the most contentious issues was whether the treaty should include measures to reduce overall plastic production. More than 100 countries,  including the African Group and the European Union, supported such limits, emphasising their importance for effectively tackling pollution. However, several oil- and plastic-producing nations including Saudi-Arabia, Iran, China, India and Russia, opposed these measures, creating a significant divide in perspectives.
2. Chemical Regulations: Discussions on regulating toxic chemicals used in plastics production presented significant challenges, with divergent views on whether to regulate it in the treaty and, if so, on the scope and nature of controls. Member countries of the African Group and the European Union advocated legally binding regulations, whereas oil-producing countries, including Saudi-Arabia, Iran, and Russia opposed any regulation of chemicals in the treaty.
3. Waste management vs. production focus: There was disagreement on whether the treaty should put primarily focus on improving waste management systems or adopt a more comprehensive approach addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production.
4. Binding vs. voluntary measures: Negotiators faces the complex task of determining which aspects of the treaty should carry legally binding obligations and which should remain voluntary.

Implications for Asian Countries

The mixed outcomes of INC-5 have significant implications for countries in Asia, a region both a major contributor to and a victim of plastic pollution. The absence of a finalized treaty leaves countries in Asia and elsewhere navigating plastic pollution challenges without the benefits of a unified global framework that would level the playing field by implementing common policies. This will be delaying equitable policies and critical financial resources needed to enhance waste management systems. However, the progress made in Busan, particularly through the emphasis on and progress on environmental standards for product design could also drive innovation in Asia's plastic manufacturing sectors, potentially positioning the region as a leader in sustainable plastic alternatives and recycling technologies. Moreover, the discussions in Busan are likely to already poised to influence national policies on plastic pollution in Asia and beyond. Countries may be encouraged to implement or strengthen their own measures ahead of a global consensus, potentially gaining economic advantages by changing domestic market dynamics through the early adoption of regulations. This presents opportunities for nations to experiment with innovative approaches that could inform future global standards and policies. notably, national initiatives to combat plastic pollution are gaining momentum in Asia, with countries adopting policies, laws, and regulations such as bans, taxes, and product standards. The SWITCH-Asia Programme supports these initiatives through developing Plastic Policy Country Profiles. These profiles offer insights into policy frameworks affecting plastic management, outline key policies, spotlight private sector innovations, and suggest strategies for improvement. They also examine how a Global Plastics Treaty could enhance national efforts. Profiles for Maldives and Sri Lanka have already been published, with upcoming profiles planned for India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The Way Forward

Looking ahead, the prospects of concluding a treaty by 2025 remain uncertain. As the world grapples with the mounting plastic crisis, the pressure for a comprehensive and effective global treaty continues to intensify. The coming months will be crucial, as countries reflect on the outcomes of Busan and prepare for the next round of negotiations, anticipated to take place in early 2025, possibly in February. In the meantime, countries and stakeholders are expected to continue discussions and refine their positions based on the progress achieved in Busan. Despite the challenges, many participants and observers remain cautiously optimistic. The Busan negotiations, while not conclusive, have laid important groundwork for future discussions. The negotiations produced a "Chair's Text," prepared by INC Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador. This document will serve as the foundation for future negotiations, possibly representing a step forward in the process by attempting to reconcile diverging positions and providing a structure for addressing key issues such as plastic production, waste management, and the phasing out of problematic chemicals in plastics.

Key areas that will likely dominate future talks include:

1. Balancing production controls with waste management strategies and financial compensations.
2. Developing mechanisms for supporting developing countries in implementing the treaty
3. Addressing the concerns of various industries while maintaining environmental integrity
4. Creating a framework that is both ambitious and implementable across diverse national contexts

The ultimate success of these efforts will depend on the ability of nations to find common ground and commit to meaningful action against one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Photo Banner Copyright: UNEP / Duncan Moore. Republic of Korea. Closing Plenary of INC-5.