Busan, Republic of Korea – (2 December 2024) Today the United Nations suspended the fifth round of negotiations on the plastics agreement (INC-5). The following may be attributed to Chris Jahn, council secretary of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), speaking on behalf of the Global Partners for Plastics Circularity (GPPC):
“Today marks a critical juncture as the United Nations concludes its latest round of negotiations on a global plastics agreement without reaching a finalized text. While it is unfortunate the agreement could not be reached within the unprecedented two-year timeline set forth, this outcome underscores the complexity of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale and the need for further deliberations to achieve an effective, inclusive and workable treaty.”
“The plastics and chemical industries remain committed to constructive engagement in this process. Since the 2022 UNEA resolution, we have provided expertise and solutions to tackle challenges such as high-leakage plastic products and transparency on chemicals in plastics. Tools like ICCA’s Plastics Additives Database and our proposed decision tree assessment tool are available to support countries in developing targeted, science-based solutions.
“It is crucial that this treaty stays focused on addressing the primary cause of plastic pollution—mismanaged waste. With 2.7 billion people globally lacking access to waste collection systems, solutions must prioritize addressing this gap, rather than imposing provisions that could lead to greater environmental or economic harm, such as supply restrictions or duplicative measures on chemicals in plastics.
“There is a better way to end pollution – a circular economy for plastics, where plastics are designed for reuse and recycling and collected and remade into new products at end of life. The treaty can send the right signals, such as recycled plastic targets in national action plans and guidance to design plastics for reuse and recycling, that can accelerate our transition from a linear to circular economy. We are encouraged to see progress on these issues at INC-5.
“While we had hoped for an agreement by the end of INC-5, there is now an opportunity for governments to reflect on areas of potential convergence as they head into INC-5.2. Governments should not let the pursuit of perfection stand in the way of achieving a good agreement that is within reach.
“We commend UNEP and government negotiators for their dedication and encourage all stakeholders to use the additional time to focus on pragmatic and impactful solutions. The plastics and chemical industries remain ready to contribute expertise and resources in support of a treaty that drives meaningful change.”
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Global Partners for Plastics Circularity
The Global Partners for Plastics Circularity (GPPC) is a multinational collaboration of associations and companies that make, use and recycle plastics. GPPC is supported by the World Plastics Council and the International Council of Chemical Associations and many other country and regional plastic associations around the globe. We are advocating a global agreement to help accelerate a sustainable, circular economy for plastics. These modern plastic materials are used around the world to create essential and often life-saving products, many of which are critical to a lower carbon, more sustainable future.
Contact: Matthew Kastner
Phone: +1 202-961-0634
Email: matthew_kastner@americanchemistry.com