Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations Aim for Completion by End of 2024 to Address Full Lifecycle of Plastic
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has designated 'Beat Plastic Pollution' as the theme for World Environment Day 2024, highlighting the urgent need to address the global plastic crisis. Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with half being single-use, and only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled. This waste chokes oceans, contaminates soil, and enters food chains, with microplastics even detected in human blood. In response, 175 nations adopted a resolution in March 2022 to negotiate a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, with a target for completion by the end of 2024. This treaty aims to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from polymer production to waste management. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is holding meetings throughout 2024, including INC-4 in Ottawa and INC-5 in Busan, to finalize the treaty. Key discussion points include production caps versus waste management focus, chemical transparency, a just transition for waste picker...
