The 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution in Busan ended without reaching a consensus on key issues related to plastics. The proposed “chair’s text” of the legally binding instrument remained heavily bracketed, indicating disagreements among the 175 parties on whether the instrument should cover the entire lifecycle of plastics, address plastic products, and provide financial support from developed nations to developing countries for transitioning away from plastics.
Despite the lack of consensus on significant issues, the preamble of the instrument, which was not bracketed, highlighted the seriousness of plastic pollution and the need to prevent leakage of plastics into the environment. However, the definition of “plastic pollution” and the articles on sustainable production and financial resources and mechanisms remained contested.
Delegates from various countries expressed concerns about the slow progress and the presence of too many brackets and options in the text. Some countries called for an ambitious treaty that addresses production, hazardous products, and chemicals of concern in plastics. Waste and Circular Economy Expert, Swati Singh Sambyal, emphasized the need for the treaty to cover the entire lifecycle of plastics and urged parties to reach a consensus on critical areas.
The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the negotiations led to mixed reactions among delegates, with some expressing frustration over the lack of progress. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to finalize the treaty text and overcome disagreements to address the growing issue of plastic pollution effectively.
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