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Editorial Articles


Issue no 07, 18 - 24 May 2024

The Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations Analysing the Momentum

Sujeet Yadav

Plastic was once hailed as a revolutionary material, celebrated for its lightweight, flexible, durable, and long-lasting properties. However, over the past five decades, its usage has skyrocketed by twenty times, with projections indicating a doubling in the next twenty years, driven by rising living standards and consumerism. Despite its benefits, the unchecked proliferation of plastic has now emerged as a significant environmental menace as plastics pose a dual threat: greenhouse gas emissions during production and disposal challenges.

The plastic industry heavily relies on fossil fuels for production. From raw material extraction to final product manufacturing, the entire process emit greenhouse gases. Extracting fossil fuels for plastic creation releases CO2 and CH4. Refining oil and gas into plastic precursors emits CO2, SOx, and NOx. Polymerisation, forming polymers from molecules, also demands fossil fuel energy. Overall, plastic production and disposal contribute 3% of global emissions, with 90% stemming from production.

In response to this pressing challenge, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened its fourth session (INC-4) in Ottawa, Canada, from April 23 to 29, 2024. The primary objective of INC-4 was to develop an international instrument specifically targeting plastic pollution.

Significant strides were achieved by delegates in advancing the treaty, slated for finalisation by year-end. Streamlining efforts saw a reduction in the length of the draft text, alongside the establishment of a formal agenda for forthcoming "intersessional" endeavours. These crucial sessions precede the ultimate gathering in Busan, South Korea, set for November 25, when member countries expect to adopt a well-designed treaty that will be the most significant environmental decision since the Paris Agreement and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said, post completion of INC-4 negotiation, "We came to Ottawa to advance the text and with the hope that Members (175 countries) would agree on the intersessional work required to make even greater progress ahead of INC-5. We leave Ottawa having achieved both goals and a clear path to landing an ambitious deal in Busan ahead of us. The work, however, is far from over. The plastic pollution crisis continues to engulf the world. I urge members to show continued commitment and flexibility to achieve maximum ambition."

INC-4: Key Areas of Discussion

·       Emissions and Releases: Delegates grappled with the sources of plastic pollution, including emissions and releases into the environment. Addressing industrial discharges, improper waste disposal, and accidental spillage were critical components of these discussions.

·       Production and Product Design: Sustainable production practices and innovative product design took center stage. The goal was to minimise plastic waste generation at the source by encouraging eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

·       Waste Management: Effective waste management strategies were explored to prevent plastic from infiltrating our oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. Recycling, circular economy models, and responsible disposal methods were key focal points.

·       Problematic and Avoidable Plastics:  INC-4 identified specific types of plastics that pose the greatest threat to the environment. Single-use plastics, microplastics, and persistent pollutants were under scrutiny.

·       Financing and Just Transition:  Financing mechanisms for implementing the treaty were discussed. Ensuring a just transition for communities affected by plastic-related industries was a moral imperative.

Plastic Value Chain and Challenges

The plastic value chain traces its roots from raw material extraction to end-of-life scenarios, with each stage influencing environmental impacts and sustainability challenges. Since the 1950s, global plastic production has skyrocketed, reflecting its integral role in modern economies and lifestyles.

Plastic Value Chain

1. Raw Material Extraction: Fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas serve as primary raw materials for plastic production. Extraction processes, including drilling and refining, emit greenhouse gases, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources.

2. Plastic Production: Polymerisation transforms petrochemicals into plastic resin, the foundation for various plastic products. Understanding polymerisation methods and manufacturing processes is essential for optimising efficiency and minimising waste.

3. Distribution and Supply Chain: Plastic products traverse extensive distribution networks, requiring efficient logistics to minimise environmental impact. Sustainable warehousing practices and inventory management strategies contribute to environmental responsibility.

4. Plastic Usage and Consumption: Plastic finds applications across diverse sectors, including packaging, consumer goods, and construction. Balancing functionality with sustainability is paramount, necessitating responsible material selection and recycling initiatives.

5. End-of-Life Scenarios: Recycling and waste management are pivotal in mitigating plastic pollution. Robust collection systems and advanced recycling technologies play a crucial role in diverting plastic waste from landfills and incineration.

Addressing the challenges of the plastic value chain requires a collaborative effort across industries, governments, and consumers. Embracing circular economy approaches, investing in recycling infrastructure, and promoting sustainable alternatives are crucial steps towards a more responsible and environmentally conscious future in the realm of plastics.

The Indian Perspective: Consensus over Voting

In its national statement, India has clearly stated that the INC should focus on creating a treaty to end plastic pollution without enforcing binding targets or caps on plastic polymer production.

"The legally binding instrument should aim to end plastic pollution by addressing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of alternatives, including cost implications. It should also specify arrangements for capacity building, technical assistance, technology transfer, and financial assistance. Additionally, the cost and environmental benefits of alternative polymers should be taken into consideration," the statement reads.

·       Consensus-Backed Moves: India advocates for consensus-backed decisions rather than relying solely on a voting-based approach. India recognises that achieving unanimity among Member States is essential for effective implementation of the treaty. By seeking consensus, India aims to ensure that the instrument reflects the collective will of all stakeholders.

·       Common but Differentiated Responsibilities: India invoked the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) during the closing plenary of INC-4. This principle acknowledges that countries have varying capacities and historical contributions to plastic pollution. India emphasised the need to tailor solutions to national circumstances and capabilities, respecting the diverse developmental contexts.

·       Balancing Environmental Concerns and Development: While addressing plastic pollution is crucial, India recognises that plastics have played a significant role in societal development. Plastics are integral to various economic sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. India advocates for a balanced approach that considers the impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as food security, economic well-being, and water security.

·       Voluntary vs. Legally Binding: Unlike some other countries, India does not advocate for a legally binding instrument. The nation seeks practical solutions that align with its developmental imperatives.

·       Scientific Guidance and Upstream Production: India recognises the importance of scientific guidance in shaping effective policies. India's fossil fuel and petrochemical industries, including lobbyists, had a presence during the negotiations. India aligned itself with the perspective against measures directly limiting upstream production of plastic feedstock.

India believes that as the negotiations continue, the global community must find a delicate balance between environ-mental protection and sustainable development.

The Magnitude of Plastic Problem and India's Position

Projections indicate that the worldwide production of thermoplastics is set to reach 445.25 million metric tonnes by 2025. This trajectory suggests that annual production volumes will continue their upward trend in the subsequent years, reaching an estimated 590 million metric tonnes by 2050. This surge represents an increase of over 30 percent compared to the anticipated production levels in 2025. Notably, between 2010 and 2020, global plastic production witnessed a substantial rise, soaring from 270 million metric tonnes to nearly 370 million metric tonnes.

·       Global plastic usage has increased twenty-fold over the past 50 years and is projected to double in the next 20 years due to its durability and flexibility.

·       Developed nations export more plastics than developing countries, contributing significantly to global plastic pollution.

·       Of the total plastics produced globally from 1950 to 2015, 55 percent ended up in landfills, while only 6 percent were recycled.

·       The global trade in plastic waste, particularly from developed to developing countries, exacerbates environmental pollution and health risks.

·       India struggles with managing a significant portion of its plastic waste, prompting the need for a circular economy roadmap with a focus on recycling solutions.

·       India ranks among the top five global polluters, generating approximately 4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.

·       Plastic consumption in India surged from 14 million tonnes in 2016-17 to 20 million tonnes in 2019-20, with key contributors being Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

·       Plastic waste generation in India nearly tripled to 4.1 million tonnes in 2020-21, primarily from packaging, automotive, agriculture, and textiles sectors.

·       India's urban waste management systems face challenges, achieving only around 85-86 percent collection efficiency in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).

·       Mismanaged plastic waste poses significant risks to water systems in India, especially during monsoons, leading to blockages and ocean pollution.

·       India's Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules 2021 aim to reduce pollution from single-use plastics by banning items like plastic cutlery and earbuds with plastic sticks.

·       Corporate responsibility initiatives could enhance consumer awareness and serve as models for sustainability.

·       Proposed actions include reducing non-recyclable plastics production, improving recycling infrastructure, and formalising waste collection systems.

·       Policy challenges, such as enforcing bans on single-use plastic and incentivising waste segregation, require targeted capacity-building for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and investments in recycling infrastructure and innovations for plastic end-of-life solutions.

Currently, the linear approach to plastic production not only contributes to the depletion of oil and gas resources but also generates vast amounts of single-use plastics, leading to extensive waste issues. In many countries, including India, despite ongoing recycling efforts, a substantial portion of plastic waste remains inadequately managed.

To address these challenges, India has adopted a circularity roadmap, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promote recycling, minimise plastic pollution, and encourage the adoption of recyclable and economically viable alternatives. However, the roadmap also underscores obstacles such as limited biomass availability, the need for market development for recycled plastics, and technological constraints in eco-design.

Effective implementation of the circularity roadmap necessitates collaborative efforts involving governments, industries, academia, and the informal sector. Moreover, regular monitoring and flexibility in approach are crucial to ensure optimal outcomes and facilitate necessary adjustments along the way.

Looking Ahead: INC-5 and Beyond

As the Ottawa meet concludes, our gaze shifts to Busan, South Korea, where the fifth session (INC-5) awaits in November 2024.

The fourth round of discussions concluded with progress towards a final agreement to "end plastic pollution." While delegates made headway in streamlining the draft text and setting an agenda for upcoming intersessional work, contentious issues regarding limiting plastic production remained unresolved.

Environmental advocates expressed disappointment at the lack of concrete action on reducing plastic production. Despite widespread support for addressing the "full life cycle" of plastics, concerns about deep-rooted industry influence and opposition from oil-producing states like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar persisted.

Industry lobbying groups, such as the International Council of Chemical Associations, emphasised the societal benefits of plastics, advocating for a treaty that balances environmental goals with preserving the advantages of plastic materials. Meanwhile, the event also saw some lobbyists publicising pro-plastic advertisements that highlighted the role of plastics in saving lives, delivering water, and reducing food waste, underscoring the industry's perspective.

Despite these challenges, observers noted a positive shift in the negotiating tone compared to previous meetings. While ambitious provisions regarding limiting plastic production remain on the table, delegates also focused on health-related aspects, particularly regulating potentially hazardous chemicals in plastics.

The upcoming months will be crucial as delegates work towards finalising the treaty by the end of the year. While disagreements persist on various issues, including funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks, there is cautious optimism that incremental progress can lead to meaningful outcomes in addressing plastic pollution.

 (The author is a Delhi-based correspondent of an international multi-media platform. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com).

Views expressed are personal.