No agreement on a Global Plastics Treaty at fifth negotiating session in South Korea
By Nancy Goucher, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Water Institute
This past November, representatives from at least 170 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). They were tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. Although this session was initially expected to conclude the negotiations, it ended without a finalized agreement. Consequently, another meeting will be scheduled for 2025 to continue the discussions.
The Microplastics Fingerprinting Project, supported by the University of Waterloo’s Water Institute—an official United Nations observer organization—has been closely monitoring these negotiations.
Despite the lack of a finalized treaty, INC-5 made progress by laying the groundwork for future discussions. One key outcome was the adoption of a “Chair’s Text,” which will serve as the foundation for the next round of negotiations in 2025. This text includes important provisions such as:
- Global phase-outs of certain harmful plastic products and chemicals.
- Enhanced language on sustainable product design.
- Alignment of financial resources with the treaty’s objectives.
Science Takes Center Stage
The role of science was pivotal in the negotiations. A number of the our project members participate in the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, a group of 350 scientific and technical experts from 60 countries. This group actively contributed by summarizing and interpreting scientific findings for delegates and intervening when misinformation arose.
Scientific contributions underscored the urgency of addressing the entire life cycle of plastics, from extraction and production to waste management. Researchers advocated for a strong treaty based on the direct link between rising plastic production and increased pollution levels. They also highlighted that the planet has exceeded safe boundaries for pollutants, including plastics.
Unresolved Challenges
Despite strong scientific evidence of the harm of plastic pollution, several critical issues remain unresolved:
- Production Caps: While many countries, including Canada, advocate for limits on plastic production, major oil-producing nations oppose these measures.
- Chemicals of Concern: It is unclear if the treaty will establish clear guidelines on sustainable production and the use of hazardous chemicals in plastics.
- Financial Mechanisms: The draft currently lacks robust financial provisions to support treaty implementation.
- Implementation: It is unknown whether the treaty will include mandatory or voluntary measures.
- Biodiversity and Health Impacts: Biodiversity protection and health impacts from plastic pollution are currently inadequately addressed.
- National Action Plans: There is no agreement on whether the measures adopted will apply at global or national levels, and if national action plans will be required or will undergo compliance reviews.
Looking Ahead
Bridging these divides will be essential to developing a robust, science-based treaty. The next round of negotiations, INC-5.2, will focus on clarifying financial mechanisms, addressing chemicals of concern, defining production limits, and establishing implementation measures. The location and date for the next meeting is not yet determined.
As the plastic pollution crisis worsens, the role of science in shaping a meaningful treaty remains critical. The scientific community continues to advocate for an ambitious, legally binding agreement that safeguards human health and the environment.
Listing Photo: Republic of Korea. UNEP ED Inger Andersen speaking at INC-5 Opening Plenary, by UNEP via Flickr.