Global Plastic Treaty Talks alter UN Negotiations in Busan
Efforts to finalize a global treaty on plastic pollution stalled at the fifth meeting of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea. The talks, which aimed to create binding international rules to curb plastic pollution by 2024, failed to achieve consensus. Delegates agreed to reconvene in 2025 for a follow-up session, tentatively named “INC-5.2,” to finalize the treaty.
Why Did the Talks Collapse?
Plastic Production Limits
One major sticking point was whether to cap the production of virgin plastic polymers, made from raw materials derived from petroleum. A coalition of 66 countries, led by Norway and Rwanda, along with the European Union, advocated for production limits to curb plastic’s environmental impact.
However, nations like Saudi Arabia and India, which rely heavily on petrochemicals and plastic production for their economies, opposed such restrictions. India argued that regulating production would undermine its developmental priorities and its role in the global plastic polymer market.
Targets and Development Concerns
Draft proposals to phase out single-use plastics and restrict hazardous chemicals such as DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP by 2040 were rejected by some nations. India, while supporting measures to manage plastic waste, opposed these targets, citing potential harm to its economy and growth aspirations.
Scope of the Treaty
Tensions also arose over the treaty’s scope. Many nations supported a comprehensive approach addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production, consumption, and waste management. Others, including Kuwait, argued that the treaty should focus narrowly on plastic waste to avoid what they claimed were trade restrictions disguised as environmental policies.
UN’s Urgency
The UN Environment Programme emphasized the critical need for action, warning against delays as plastic pollution continues to harm ecosystems and marine life.
About the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
The INC, established by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) in 2022, is tasked with developing a legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution, including its impact on marine environments. Resolution 5/14, adopted in Nairobi, aims to finalize this treaty by the end of 2024.
Since INC-1 in Uruguay (November 2022), negotiations have been held globally, including INC-2 in France (June 2023) and INC-3 in Kenya (November 2023). The next scheduled meeting, INC-4, will take place in Canada in April 2024.
The Case for a Global Plastic Treaty
Explosive Plastic Production Growth
Global plastic production has doubled from 234 million metric tons (MT) in 2000 to 460 MT in 2019 and is projected to reach 700 MT by 2040, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Asia leads production, accounting for nearly half, followed by North America (19%) and Europe (15%).
Environmental and Health Impacts
- Environment: Plastics take 20 to 500 years to decompose, leading to an accumulation of waste in landfills and natural habitats. Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, according to a 2023 study by The Lancet. About 8 million tonnes enter oceans annually, threatening marine life.
- Health: Chemicals in plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can disrupt the endocrine system, causing issues like cancer, diabetes, and reproductive impairments.
- Wildlife: Plastic pollution harms marine and terrestrial species through ingestion and entanglement.
- Climate Change: Plastic production contributes 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 90% of these emissions linked to fossil fuels. If trends continue, emissions from plastics could rise 37% by 2050.
A global treaty is seen as critical to regulating plastics throughout their lifecycle to curb production, improve recycling, and reduce environmental damage.
Challenges to Reaching a Consensus
Divergent National Interests
Developed countries support lifecycle approaches to regulate plastics, while petrochemical-centric economies view such measures as economically restrictive.
Trade Implications
Plastic is a globally traded commodity, and proposed restrictions raise concerns about trade and economic disruptions.
Funding Gaps
Low- and middle-income countries lack resources to implement comprehensive measures, resulting in calls for financial and technological support from wealthier nations.
Political Will
Balancing immediate economic needs with long-term environmental goals remains a challenge for policymakers, with insufficient political commitment to ambitious measures.
India’s Plastic Problem
India is the world’s largest contributor to plastic pollution, releasing 9.3 million tonnes annually—nearly 20% of global plastic waste. Poor waste management leads to 3.5 million metric tons of this waste entering the environment.
The country’s expanding urbanization and e-commerce sectors exacerbate the issue, driving demand for plastic packaging, much of which is non-recyclable. Open burning of waste further contributes to pollution and public health risks.
India’s Initiatives to Curb Plastic Pollution
India has implemented various measures, including:
- Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 and 2024: Strengthening regulations on plastic waste.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Assigning waste management responsibility to producers.
- India Plastics Pact: Promoting sustainable packaging and recycling.
- Project REPLAN and Un-Plastic Collective: Encouraging innovative solutions to reduce plastic usage.
The Way Forward
Building Consensus
Global negotiations must focus on mutual benefits, emphasizing the economic and environmental advantages of reducing plastic pollution. Highlighting India’s sustainable practices could help bridge gaps.
Support for Developing Nations
Frameworks offering financial and technological support are essential to enable low- and middle-income countries to transition to sustainable practices.
Incremental Targets
Phased commitments with flexible timelines for developing nations could address concerns about economic impacts. A focus on banning harmful single-use plastics and chemicals would ensure progress.
Global Advocacy
Public awareness campaigns and international pressure can strengthen political will for an ambitious treaty. Civil society and environmental organizations must continue to monitor and critique negotiation outcomes.
Despite setbacks, the urgency of addressing the global plastic crisis remains undeniable. As talks continue, balancing national interests with collective environmental goals will be key to crafting a viable treaty.
