The recent UNEP Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting has sparked crucial discussions about the role of the plastics industry in shaping the future of plastics. As countries around the world work toward a global treaty, it’s critical that they strike the right balance—tackling plastic pollution and improving waste management, while recognising the essential role plastics play in our daily lives. A well-thought-out agreement could drive real progress, but if the conversation leans too far in the wrong direction, it could lead to policies that overlook practical solutions. So, what happened at INC-5, and what does it mean for us?
INC-5: a critical junction in the Plastics Treaty negotiations
UNEP’s draft global plastics treaty represents a monumental effort by the international community—comprising governments, industry leaders, and environmental advocates—to tackle plastic pollution. This proposed treaty aims to protect human health and the environment by addressing plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle—from production to disposal.
The draft highlights several objectives:
- Reducing plastic pollution: By adopting measures to minimise waste and promote sustainable practices.
- Full lifecycle approach: Addressing challenges from production to disposal, ensuring that plastics stay in the economy and out of the environment.
- Support for developing nations: Balancing development needs while promoting sustainable consumption.
However, discussions faltered at the INC-5 meeting in November in Busan, South Korea, as the complexities of negotiations exposed key differences among stakeholders, leading to an impasse. Some parties pushed for comprehensive bans and severe production limits, creating a stark divide.
While pollution rightfully occupies the spotlight, there are three pain points—bans, production caps, and chemicals of concern—that we as an industry are concerned about.
Imposing bans
During the INC-5 meeting, some parties proposed blanket bans on certain plastics, a simplistic solution that fails to account for the societal benefits of plastics, particularly in healthcare, food security, and construction.
The industry perspective: driving innovation & recycling
While bans on specific plastics or single-use plastics may seem like quick fixes, they often lead to unintended consequences, such as shifting to less sustainable alternatives or exacerbating waste issues. Comprehensive measures, such as improving waste management infrastructure and increasing recycling rates, are more effective and equitable solutions.
We, as an industry and as INEOS Styrolution, have invested heavily in different recycling technologies to reduce plastic waste and improve circularity. By converting end-of-life plastics into raw materials, we aim to minimise environmental impact without sacrificing the utility plastics provide.
Imposing production caps
Disagreements emerged over whether production caps should be imposed, either universally or tailored to national contexts, with developing and oil-producing nations resisting mandates that could stifle their economic growth.
The industry perspective: collaborating with key stakeholders
Imposing blanket production caps ignores the unique needs of different nations and industries. For instance, developing economies require plastics to support critical infrastructure, while healthcare and food sectors worldwide depend on high-quality polymers to ensure safety and efficiency. We, as an industry and as INEOS Styrolution, are committed to collaborating with governments, NGOs, and consumers to develop pragmatic solutions that balance environmental goals with the need for economic and societal progress.
Addressing chemicals of concern
Several countries sought to expand the treaty's scope to include restrictions on substances deemed hazardous, even without clear risk assessments. This approach conflicts with global frameworks such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), which prioritise risk-based evaluations.
The industry perspective: supporting responsible chemicals management
We recognise the importance of addressing chemicals of concern but advocate for a science-based, risk-focused approach. Hazard-based bans could undermine innovation and create uncertainty without demonstrable benefits for health or the environment.
We, as an industry and as INEOS Styrolution, support the REACH framework and its emphasis on risk-based assessments rather than hazard-based bans. This ensures that regulations are based on sound science, targeting genuinely harmful substances while allowing the continued use of safe, critical materials.
What this means for the plastics industry
For the plastics industry, this treaty represents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, stricter regulations could increase costs and necessitate operational changes. On the other, the push for sustainability aligns with our ongoing efforts to innovate and reduce our environmental footprint.
Our outlook remains optimistic. We believe that constructive dialogue and collaboration can result in a balanced treaty that supports both environmental protection and economic growth. By continuing to advocate for science-based approaches and demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices, we can shape a future where plastics play a vital and responsible role in society.
Despite the hurdles, we remain committed to advancing sustainable practices, addressing legitimate environmental concerns, and being a proactive partner in these global efforts. PlasticsEurope’s “The Plastics Transition” report serves as a crucial link, outlining our commitment to sustainable transformations.
Looking ahead to the next INC meeting
The next UNEP INC meeting will likely focus on reconciling divergent perspectives. Achieving consensus will be challenging, especially given resistance from oil-producing nations regarding production caps and bans on plastics. Key areas of focus that will shape the treaty's final form include:
- Further defining the treaty's scope, including whether it will prioritise hazard-based or risk-based regulation.
- Exploring compromise solutions for production levels that account for national differences.
- Strengthening mechanisms to address marine pollution and plastic waste without impeding industrial growth.
The shifting political landscape will also add new complexity to the negotiations.
As an industry leader, we are ready to meet these challenges head-on, fostering innovation, transparency, and sustainability to ensure a constructive path forward.
*********************************************************
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY POSITIONS AND INITIATIVES
Plastics Europe, representing the European plastics industry, is actively engaging in global efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote a circular economy. Below is a summary of their key positions and initiatives:
Commitment to ending plastic pollution by 2040
Plastics Europe supports the United Nations' goal to end plastic pollution by 2040 through the development of a circular economy. This approach emphasises responsible management of plastics throughout their lifecycle, including production, use, and end-of-life stages, aiming for a climate-neutral plastics industry.
Circularity drivers to combat plastic pollution
Plastics Europe identifies five key circularity drivers essential for creating a policy environment that enables circularity:
- Design for circularity: Promoting common product design principles to enhance recycling and reuse.
- Circular feedstocks: Encouraging the use of bio-based, recycled, and carbon-captured materials to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Recycled content targets: Implementing national targets for recycled plastic usage in each industry sector to support investment in necessary infrastructure and technologies.
- Reuse targets: Setting reuse targets for specific applications, focusing on products that contribute most to plastic waste.
- Circular plastics production targets: Establishing legislative targets for producing circular plastics to stimulate demand, tailored to fit each country or region's unique situations.
Position on microplastics
Plastics Europe acknowledges the complexity of microplastics, which originate from various sources and possess differing characteristics. They advocate for the development of globally harmonised terminology to accurately identify different categories of microplastics. Additionally, they recommend including a zero-pellet loss objective in the International Legally Binding Instrument to End Plastic Pollution (ILBI-PP), supported by consistent global standards and guidelines based on the Operation Clean Sweep® programme.
Sector-specific product design
Recognising the unique characteristics and needs of different industries, Plastics Europe supports a sector-differentiated approach to product design. They emphasise the importance of sector-specific product design principles as enablers for sustainable and circular products. This approach aims to drive the development of innovative, sector-specific solutions that maximise environmental benefits and reduce plastic pollution while maintaining necessary functionality and performance.
Decision tree for problematic high-leakage plastic applications
To address plastic pollution effectively, Plastics Europe proposes a decision tree assessment tool. This tool identifies and addresses problematic and avoidable plastics applications, promoting a circular economy and a plastic-free environment. It emphasises a comprehensive approach that considers the entire lifecycle of plastics, addressing critical aspects like product design, waste management, and exemptions.
Sustainable finance mechanisms for a circular economy
Plastics Europe supports the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms as part of the Global Instrument on Plastic Pollution. Key pillars include creating demand drivers for circular plastics production, leveraging material-neutral Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, mobilising existing funding mechanisms, and scaling up global finance initiatives to combat plastic pollution through waste prevention and boosting plastic circularity.
Automotive sector and plastic use
In the automotive sector, plastics play a crucial role in enhancing vehicle efficiency, performance, and safety by reducing weight and cutting fuel consumption. Plastics Europe emphasises the need for tailored circularity and end-of-life solutions specific to the automotive industry. They caution against potential proposals in the ILBI-PP that may ban or restrict certain polymers, as this could hinder the production of innovative vehicles and disrupt supply chains. Instead, they advocate for sector-specific product design principles and guidelines to accommodate the unique needs of the automotive industry.
Through these initiatives and positions, Plastics Europe demonstrates its commitment to collaborating with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the global community to develop effective solutions for ending plastic pollution and advancing a sustainable, circular economy.