Plastic Pollution Delays SDGs Progress. Plastic is an essential part of our everyday lives. Every year, the world produces over 462 million tons of plastic. While plastic can be useful, 90% of it pollutes our planet. This is particularly true of single-use items such as plastic cutlery, packaging, and microplastics, which break off larger pieces of plastic like textiles. An estimated 9 million to 14 million tons of plastic waste are in our oceans each year. Plastic waste has been found everywhere, from the deepest seas to the most remote mountains. It causes major harm to wildlife and ecosystems, disrupts the livelihood of millions of people, and poses significant risks to human health and the world economy.
At the current rate, global plastic pollution could triple by 2040 unless we take immediate action. Voluntary measures and country-driven efforts have proven ineffective in stopping plastic from polluting and poisoning our planet, and it’s only getting worse. Over the past five years, the number of national and voluntary actions to tackle the problem has increased by 60%. Despite this, plastic pollution has continued to increase by 50%.
Plastic Pollution and the Life Cycle of Plastic in Europe
Overview of the Global Plastics Treaty
A lasting solution to the plastic crisis requires a legally binding and equitable global treaty outlining clear actions and timelines to reform plastic production and consumption. The agreement must phase out unnecessary and high-risk plastics. Moreover, it should pair these obligations with strong enforcement mechanisms and financial and technical support to ensure fair and effective implementation worldwide.
In March 2022, 175 nations at the UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi took a historic step by committing to negotiate such a treaty, aiming for adoption by 2025. This global initiative seeks to establish uniform standards that hold all countries accountable and promote coordinated action against plastic pollution.
Just as the Montreal Protocol successfully eliminated most ozone-depleting substances, a united global treaty could transform fragmented national efforts into a cohesive, effective strategy for a cleaner, plastic-free planet.
We must move quickly
During the first two-year negotiation period of the plastics treaty, total plastic pollution in the ocean is expected to increase by 15%. Ending plastic pollution is in our grasp, and the treaty negotiations are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do so.
The majority agrees that governments, businesses, and the public are calling for an ambitious treaty that nature needs.
Plastics treaty supporters are
103 countries supported all four must-haves in the treaty.
Over 175 nations agree that we must unite and ratify a global treaty to end plastic pollution.
Over 250 businesses agree that we need a shared set of global rules to end plastic pollution.
Of the nearly 3 million people calling for a strong binding global plastic pollution treaty. 474,404 are WWF supporters. 85% of people want a global ban on single-use plastics.
The Global Plastics Treaty Explained
The Global Plastics Treaty must align with climate and planetary boundaries to effectively combat plastic pollution.
Plastic is a growing crisis with a devastating impact on the environment and human health. Human rights, environmental justice, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, biodiversity, and climate are also affected. For the Global Plastics Treaty to be effective in reversing the tide of plastic pollution. mechanisms and solutions. This treaty is an opportunity to get it right. It can potentially be one of the most significant environmental agreements in history.
Key Objective of the treaty about Plastic Pollution
The key objectives of the Global Plastics Treaty focus on fostering coordinated international action to combat plastic pollution. Building on previous global initiatives, the Plastics Convention continues efforts to curb plastic waste through a legally binding framework. Negotiations remain complex, requiring nations to demonstrate ambition and cooperation to finalize the treaty.
In March 2022, the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) adopted Resolution 5/14 – “End Plastic Pollution: Towards an International Legally Binding Instrument.” . Similar to the Montreal Protocol, which successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances, this treaty aims to regulate plastics across their entire lifecycle. The treaty’s goal is to establish a comprehensive global framework ensuring plastics are managed sustainably and equitably.
Microplastics
Primary microplastic pollution comprises small plastic particles that enter the environment. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. Microplastics pose a significant environmental threat as they absorb toxic pollutants and contaminate marine life, impacting human health and biodiversity. Despite some regulations, there’s a lack of global measures to restrict intentionally added microplastics.
Standardization
Another significant obstacle hindering the advancement of circular economy goals is the absence of universal criteria and standards for products and recycled materials globally, which undermines secondary markets and the circular economy. Addressing these challenges systematically, the Convention on Plastic Pollution plans to incorporate measures such as labeling, product design, additive limitations, and certification programs. Furthermore, the participating parties might consider implementing worldwide market restrictions, including bans on specific polymers and additives, and regulations controlling the usage of hazardous additives like endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogens.
Virgin plastic production and use
Reduction in the production and consumption of virgin plastic is crucial for effectively eliminating emissions into marine and other environments over the long term. This necessitates the negotiation of control measures at the global level to progressively decrease the production and use of virgin plastic.
Chemical controls
The Treaty should include obligations to ensure that plastics that remain in the economy are free of hazardous chemicals. These chemicals should be identified with science-based criteria under other multilateral environmental agreements, including the precautionary principle.
Coordination
The problems of plastic pollution are already dealt with or can be dealt with in different international agreements. But the actions to stop plastic pollution on land and in the sea aren’t coordinated enough. So, it is important to work with other global and regional efforts. Coordination should be the foundation of regulating the new Convention on Plastic Pollution, promoting good teamwork and organization while respecting the differences among participants.
Technical and financial support
Achieving the goals of the Convention on Plastic Pollution will require technical and financial resources. In addition to ensuring the work of the secretariat, resources will be needed to support the adoption of solutions and assistance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
To achieve our goals, it’s important to strengthen science policy, work together globally, and use science-based methods. When making political decisions, we need to consider how they will affect people and communities, including the cost, the economy, and social issues like gender equality and Indigenous rights.
A global agreement should include a mechanism to provide financial support to developing countries and economies in transition to assist with implementation and compliance. This financial mechanism should combine multiple sources of funding and ensure the operationalization of the polluter-pays principle.
Monitoring and reporting
Monitoring and reporting on the state of the environment will be a critical aspect of the Convention on Plastic Pollution, in particular, the evolution of two indicators:
Environmental monitoring of plastic pollution
For monitoring plastic pollution, parties will need to develop a harmonized environmental monitoring framework outlining what will be monitored, such as seafloor, seawater, shoreline, biota, passively fished waste, or other compartments such as freshwater and soils.
Reporting on the circular economy
To efficiently report on the circular economy, there is a need to collect information on the entire life cycle of plastic: from production and use to collection, recycling, and management of plastic waste. This data will, over time, determine the success or failure of policies and measures adopted, and will serve as the basis for future decisions.
One of the fundamental ideas of the Convention on Plastics Pollution is the gradual reduction of virgin plastic production and the limitation of the use of toxic chemicals in plastics. This issue has become a sticking point in many negotiations held since March 2022 up to the present day.
Key messages regarding the Treaty – what will be important for the success of the Treaty
The Global Plastics Treaty must establish clear, legally binding measures to curb plastic pollution at its source. First, it should set targets to cap and drastically reduce virgin plastic production, aligning with planetary boundaries. Eliminating single-use and unnecessary plastics, including intentionally added microplastics, is essential to address the root of the crisis.
Transitioning from the current linear “take-make-waste” model to a circular reuse system offers a transformative solution. Reuse and refill models reduce virgin material use, cut emissions, and prevent pollution by keeping packaging within the economy instead of landfills or incinerators. To succeed, the treaty must include time-bound targets for scaling up these systems and reject false solutions like chemical recycling, plastic-to-fuel schemes, or plastic credits that perpetuate production.
The treaty should enforce bans on toxic chemicals in both virgin and recycled plastics, covering harmful additives such as phthalates, bisphenols, and brominated flame retardants, as well as hazardous polymers like PVC. It must also impose strict regulations on plastic waste trade, including a complete ban on exports of plastic waste from OECD to non-OECD countries and prohibit thermal treatment methods like incineration or co-processing in cement kilns.
A just transition for workers and communities affected by plastic production, waste management, and pollution is vital. This includes ensuring safe, sustainable livelihoods, protecting human and Indigenous rights, and valuing traditional knowledge in local environmental solutions.
Finally, the treaty must require full transparency of chemicals used in plastics and reject misleading mechanisms such as plastic credits or offsetting, which fail to reduce pollution and instead justify continued production. Genuine progress demands real reductions, global accountability, and equitable implementation to protect both people and the planet.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress made in negotiations, several challenges persist:
Consensus and Conflict: The Diplomatic Dilemma in the Global Plastics Treaty
Consensus, a cornerstone of global diplomacy, ensures inclusivity, shared ownership, and perceived fairness in decision-making. Yet, in the context of plastic pollution—a problem shaped by uneven benefits and burdens—consensus becomes a double-edged sword. Nations heavily invested in plastic production often resist stringent controls, while vulnerable regions continue to suffer the environmental and health consequences of plastic waste.
Historical precedents from other international environmental agreements demonstrate that relying solely on consensus can delay progress and weaken policy ambition through compromise. The current plastics treaty negotiations risk a similar fate. As global plastic production is projected to triple by 2060, and recycling rates remain below 10%, the scientific consensus is clear: downstream measures alone cannot end plastic pollution.
A major rift persists among negotiators regarding decision-making mechanisms—whether to uphold consensus or adopt majority voting. This procedural divide has slowed negotiations, jeopardizing timely progress toward a robust, binding treaty.
At COP 28, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen offered a stark warning
“Plastics are not a lifeboat for you as energy systems decarbonize. The world can’t afford the emissions. And besides, what are you going to do in a lifeboat, except bob around aimlessly while the world changes around you?”
Her remarks highlight the interconnectedness of plastic pollution and climate change—two crises rooted in fossil fuel dependency. Negotiators are thus urged to align strategies across both domains, recognizing that meaningful progress on one demands action on the other.
Meanwhile, the private sector can play a proactive role by investing in green innovation and sustainable materials. Early adaptation to ecological alternatives not only supports global sustainability targets but also enhances competitiveness in an economy increasingly shaped by environmental accountability
What role will the private sector play?
The role of the private sector in plastic pollution cannot be ignored. A recent study found just 20 companies were the source of more than half of single-use plastics. While producing plastics may seem cheap, the price fails to account for environmental and socio-economic costs. According to WWF, the societal cost of plastic pollution, emissions, and clean-up could be as high as US$3.7 trillion.
Besides the moral responsibility for producers, they also are best positioned to address the shift to environmentally sustainable products. Policy, economic, and social incentives need to be developed to make producers more responsible for the environmental costs of their products. The plastics treaty is expected to establish extended producers’ responsibilities schemes that will tackle plastic pollution at its source.
How private companies, especially the fossil fuel companies and plastics producers, will act in the plastics treaty negotiation remains to be seen. An analysis has also shown that the number of lobbyists from fossil fuel and chemical industries in the negotiations is increasing. Some of the member states have also included fossil fuel company lobbyists in their delegations.
Resistance from Oil States
Some countries reliant on fossil fuel production have shown resistance to stringent regulations on plastic production, complicating negotiations. This has led to tensions that threaten the unity needed for a successful treaty.
The recent negotiations aimed at establishing a global treaty to combat plastic pollution have faced significant challenges, primarily due to resistance from oil-rich nations. The talks, which concluded without agreement in Busan, South Korea, highlighted the stark divide between countries advocating for stringent regulations on plastic production and those reliant on fossil fuels.
Key Points of Resistance
Economic Concerns
Countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia argued that limiting plastic production could lead to economic disruption and trade restrictions. They emphasized that the focus should be on managing plastic pollution rather than capping production levels, positing that plastics have vital roles in development and industry.
Influence of the Petrochemical Industry
The negotiations have been criticized for being heavily influenced by the petrochemical sector, with reports indicating that a significant number of representatives from this industry participated in the talks. Their presence is believed to have bolstered the resistance from oil-producing nations against production limits.
Consensus-Based Decision Making
The requirement for consensus in decision-making has allowed a small number of countries to effectively block progress. This “weaponization of consensus” has been cited as a major barrier to achieving an ambitious treaty, as it gives any single nation the power to veto proposals supported by a majority.
Calls for Change in Negotiation Dynamics
Advocates for stronger action against plastic pollution are urging a shift away from consensus-based negotiations towards a voting system that could facilitate more decisive agreements. This change is seen as essential for overcoming the obstruction posed by oil-producing states.
Implications and Future Steps
The ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty are set against a backdrop of significant implications and future steps that will shape international efforts to combat plastic pollution. As the final round of discussions approaches in November 2024, several key factors emerge.
Implications of the Treaty
Environmental Impact: The treaty aims to address the escalating plastic pollution crisis, with goals to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce overall plastic production. This is crucial for protecting ecosystems and mitigating health risks associated with plastic waste.
Economic Considerations
Implementing stringent regulations could lead to increased compliance costs for industries, particularly in developing countries. However, it also presents opportunities for innovation in sustainable product design and recycling technologies, potentially reshaping global supply chains.
Trade Dynamics
New regulations may influence international trade, as countries with stricter environmental standards might impose barriers on imports from nations with weaker protections. This could lead to friction among trading partners unless harmonization occurs.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Central to the treaty is the concept of EPR, which holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This could incentivize companies to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to waste management systems.
Future Steps
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1, 2024, is set to finalize the text of a global treaty aimed at addressing plastic pollution. Here are the key developments and expectations surrounding this pivotal conference:
Key Developments
Finalization of the Treaty Text
The primary goal of INC-5 is to conclude negotiations and finalize the legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including measures to reduce plastic production and enhance recycling efforts. This treaty is expected to address the entire life cycle of plastics—from production to disposal.
Chair’s Non-Paper as Foundation
On the opening day, delegates approved the use of the Chair’s Non-Paper 3 as a basis for focused negotiations. This document will guide discussions in various contact groups throughout the week, aiming for a cohesive agreement.
High Participation
Over 3,800 participants from more than 170 countries and over 600 observer organizations are involved, marking the highest attendance at any session of this negotiating committee.
Global Call for Action
Leaders and representatives have emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, with calls for ambitious commitments that prioritize environmental health and sustainability. The European Union and other nations advocate for comprehensive measures that include bans on certain single-use plastics and stricter regulations on plastic production.
Expectations Moving Forward
Agreement Structure:
The treaty is anticipated to include binding obligations for countries to effectively manage plastic production and waste. This may involve commitments to eliminate harmful chemicals in plastics and promote circular economy practices.
Implementation Framework
Once finalized, attention will shift to how countries will implement the treaty’s provisions, considering varying national circumstances and capacities. The principle of “polluter pays” is also expected to be a significant aspect of the agreement, ensuring that major producers contribute financially to addressing plastic pollution.
Future Meetings
Following INC-5, ongoing discussions will be necessary to monitor compliance and effectiveness, as well as to adapt strategies as needed based on emerging challenges in plastic waste management.
INC-5 represents a critical moment in global efforts to combat plastic pollution, with expectations high for a robust treaty that could significantly alter how plastics are produced and managed worldwide.
Recent Developments
The latest treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea, ended without a resolution. While there is a general agreement on the need for global action, countries are divided into two opposing camps:
Pro-Cap Advocates
A coalition of over 100 nations, including the European Union, developing countries, and island states, supports capping plastic production. They argue this is the most effective way to curb environmental damage and climate impacts from plastic waste.
Fossil Fuel-Backed Opposition
Countries like Saudi Arabia and China oppose production caps, favoring waste management solutions. These nations, often major fossil fuel producers, emphasize innovations in recycling and claim production caps could harm their economies.
Key Sticking Points
Scope of Regulations
Should the treaty focus on reducing plastic production or improving waste management?
Financing
Developing countries demand financial assistance from wealthier nations to transition to sustainable practices.
Legally Binding Measures: Nations remain divided on whether compliance should be enforced or voluntary.
Impact of Delayed Action
Postponing the treaty until 2025 delays crucial global measures to combat plastic pollution. This delay risks:
Tripling plastic production by 2060, worsening pollution.
Intensifying threats to marine life and ecosystems.
Increasing greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production further hinders climate goals.
Implications for SDGs
The implications of the upcoming global plastics treaty for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are significant and multifaceted. As negotiations progress toward finalization, the treaty is expected to align closely with several key SDGs, particularly those focused on environmental sustainability, health, and economic equity.
Key Implications for Specific SDGs
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The treaty aims to promote sustainable production practices by reducing plastic production and consumption, particularly of single-use plastics. This aligns with efforts to transition towards a circular economy, encouraging recycling and reuse of materials, which is essential for responsible consumption.
SDG 13: Climate Action
By capping plastic production, the treaty addresses the substantial greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic manufacturing. Since emissions from plastic production are projected to consume a significant portion of the remaining carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, this treaty could play a pivotal role in achieving climate goals.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
The treaty’s focus on reducing toxic chemicals in plastics directly supports public health objectives. By phasing out harmful substances and promoting safer alternatives, it aims to minimize health risks associated with plastic pollution, thereby contributing to overall well-being.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
The treaty emphasizes protecting marine ecosystems from plastic pollution, which is critical for achieving SDG 14. By reducing plastic waste entering oceans and waterways, it seeks to safeguard marine biodiversity and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Addressing plastic pollution also has implications for terrestrial ecosystems. The treaty’s measures to manage plastic waste effectively can help prevent land degradation and protect biodiversity on land.
Broader Implications
Equity and Justice
The treaty is expected to address global inequalities exacerbated by plastic pollution, particularly the disproportionate impact on developing countries that often bear the brunt of waste exports from wealthier nations. By promoting fairer practices and transparency in waste management, it aims to support a just transition for affected communities.
Innovation and Economic Opportunities
The transition towards sustainable alternatives and improved recycling technologies can spur innovation and create new market opportunities. Countries that invest in eco-friendly technologies may gain competitive advantages in global markets.
International Cooperation
The treaty fosters collaboration among nations, encouraging shared responsibility for tackling plastic pollution. This cooperation is essential for harmonizing regulations and standards across borders, facilitating trade in sustainable products while minimizing environmental harm.
The global plastics treaty represents a critical opportunity to advance multiple SDGs simultaneously by addressing the complex challenges posed by plastic pollution. Its successful implementation could lead to significant environmental improvements, enhanced public health outcomes, and greater economic equity, making it a cornerstone of sustainable development efforts in the coming years.
The Road Ahead
Resumption of Talks: Negotiations will continue in 2025, providing an opportunity for countries to reassess their positions and work towards a more unified approach. This may involve addressing key contentious issues such as production caps and the responsibilities of plastic producers.
Building Momentum
Environmental advocates and organizations are likely to ramp up efforts to mobilize public support and pressure governments to prioritize treaty negotiations. Increased awareness of plastic pollution’s impacts may help drive more ambitious commitments in future discussions.
Focus on Implementation
As negotiations resume, there will be a critical need to establish mechanisms for implementing any agreed-upon measures effectively. This includes ensuring that developing countries receive the necessary support for compliance with treaty obligations.
The next round of negotiations in 2025 will require bridging significant gaps
Enhanced Diplomacy
Mediating between production cap proponents and waste management advocates.
Financial Commitments
Wealthy nations must provide financial aid to support sustainable transitions in developing countries.
Hybrid Solutions
Combining production limits with advanced waste management strategies to create balanced approaches.
The plastic treaty negotiations underscore the complexities of addressing a global crisis that affects ecosystems, economies, and societies. While the delay is a setback, it also serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to find solutions. By prioritizing dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, nations can move closer to achieving a sustainable future and safeguarding the planet for generations to come.
Global Plastic Treaty: A Turning Point in the Fight Against Pollution
The global effort to combat plastic pollution stands at a defining crossroads following the INC-5 negotiations in Busan. Although a final agreement remains elusive, the conference reaffirmed the urgency of global cooperation to tackle one of humanity’s most persistent environmental challenges.
1. Urgency of Action
Plastic pollution continues to escalate, threatening ecosystems, public health, and climate resilience. A binding global treaty must address the entire plastic life cycle—from production to disposal—establishing accountability and fostering systemic change.
2. Challenges Ahead
Consensus remains a major hurdle. Diverging national interests—particularly between nations dependent on fossil fuel-based economies and those advocating for strict curbs—risk stalling progress. Bridging these divides will be essential for a unified global response.
3. Link to the SDGs
The treaty aligns directly with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
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SDG 13: Climate Action
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
Successful implementation could accelerate global progress toward these targets and reinforce the interdependence of environmental and socioeconomic well-being.
4. Future Directions
As negotiations resume in 2025, nations must recalibrate their commitments. Public engagement, civil society advocacy, and corporate accountability will be crucial to sustaining momentum and ensuring the treaty’s effectiveness.
5. Global Cooperation
The proposed treaty provides a unique platform to harmonize regulations. It facilitates technology transfer and builds capacity in developing nations. A cooperative approach can balance ambition with fairness.
Conclusion
The path to a world free from plastic pollution demands courage, consensus, and commitment. By embracing shared responsibility and rejecting complacency, the global community can turn negotiations into meaningful action.
“The ocean of change begins with a single current of cooperation.”
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