INC-5 | A Crucial Step Towards a Global Plastic Treaty

The scale of the global plastic pollution crisis cannot be overstated. From microplastics contaminating the most remote corners of the ocean to mountains of waste overwhelming landfill sites, the consequences of inaction grow more severe with every passing year. Addressing this environmental catastrophe demands international cooperation and a binding commitment to change. The recent INC-5 summit in Busan, South Korea, served as a pivotal moment in this ongoing endeavour, bringing nations together to confront the pressing need for a plastics treaty.

While the session concluded without a finalised agreement, it underscored the urgency of collective action and laid important groundwork for future negotiations.

What is INC-5?

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) was convened from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea. The aim of this gathering was ambitious: to develop a legally binding international treaty to address plastic pollution, including its devastating impact on marine environments.

Attended by representatives from a wide array of nations, environmental organisations, and advocacy groups, INC-5 sought to establish a framework that tackles the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production and usage to disposal and waste management. Preceded by regional consultations, the session provided a platform for debate, compromise, and strategic planning. Despite the absence of a completed treaty, INC-5 achieved a significant milestone by adopting the Chair’s Text as a foundation for future discussions.

Key Outcomes of INC-5

Although the summit ended without the adoption of a plastic treaty, it marked progress in several respects. The Chair’s Text, which will serve as the basis for continued negotiations in 2025, represents a unified starting point that reflects months of deliberation and collaboration. This document underscores the importance of addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics—a major shift in the framing of the global plastics debate.

Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair of INC-5, described this development as a crucial step forward, emphasising that meaningful outcomes require time and patience. While some attendees expressed disappointment at the slow pace of change, others praised the event for steering the discussion towards the root causes of plastic pollution, rather than merely its symptoms.

Major Themes from INC-5

Divisions Among Member States

A major challenge at INC-5 was the persistent division between nations advocating for ambitious measures and those opposing significant production caps on plastics. A coalition of oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, resisted efforts to limit plastic production, arguing instead for a focus on waste management. This resistance frustrated many participants, with environmental advocates accusing these nations of prioritising economic interests over environmental responsibility.

Global Consensus on Binding Measures

Despite these divisions, the majority of nations rallied behind proposals for binding global regulations. Rwanda, representing a coalition of over 85 countries, called for measures addressing plastics’ entire lifecycle, while Mexico and 95 other nations demanded binding bans and phaseouts of harmful plastics. This strong show of unity offered hope for achieving a robust treaty in future negotiations.

The Ocean Pollution Crisis

The summit brought renewed attention to the ongoing plastic pollution crisis in the world’s oceans. With the equivalent of a garbage truck’s worth of plastic entering the ocean every minute, the urgency to act is undeniable. Environmental organisations highlighted the devastating impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and called for immediate action to curb pollution at its source.

Inclusion of Vulnerable Communities

Another critical issue raised at INC-5 was the exclusion of frontline and vulnerable communities from meaningful participation in the treaty process. Indigenous groups and activists argued that the treaty must address the disproportionate burden borne by these communities, who often face the harshest consequences of plastic pollution. Calls for a more inclusive and equitable approach to negotiations resonated with many attendees.

INC-5.2 in 2025 | A Global Plastic Treaty

The path to a comprehensive plastics treaty remains fraught with challenges, but the groundwork laid at INC-5 provides a solid foundation for progress. The next session, INC-5.2, will offer an opportunity to refine and expand upon the Chair’s Text, building towards a treaty that reflects the collective will of the international community. As the clock ticks, the pressure on governments, businesses, and civil society to align their efforts and deliver meaningful change continues to mount.

Perspectiva de WasteTrade

At WasteTrade, we recognise the critical importance of a global plastics treaty and fully endorse the efforts of INC-5 to bring nations together in pursuit of this goal. Plastic pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is a societal challenge with profound implications for ecosystems, human health, and the climate. Addressing it demands an all-inclusive approach, one that considers the entire lifecycle of plastics and places sustainability at the heart of decision-making.

We believe governments have a unique and indispensable role in leading the fight against plastic pollution. Binding international agreements, production caps, and bans on harmful chemicals are essential steps towards reducing waste and mitigating the devastating impact of plastic on our planet.

As a platform committed to promoting responsible recycling and supporting the circular economy, WasteTrade understands the transformative potential of collaboration. By working alongside policymakers, businesses, and environmental organisations, we aim to contribute to a future where waste is not a burden but a resource.

The outcomes of INC-5, while not definitive, reaffirm the global resolve to tackle plastic pollution. WasteTrade stands ready to support this journey, advocating for bold action and unwavering commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Conclusión

The INC-5 summit may not have delivered a final treaty, but it reinforced the urgency of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale. The progress made in Busan, particularly the adoption of the Chair’s Text, provides a foundation for continued negotiations. With the stakes higher than ever, the coming years will determine whether the international community can rise to the challenge and deliver a treaty that meets the enormity of the crisis. At WasteTrade, we remain optimistic that collective action will prevail, transforming the future of plastics and safeguarding the planet for generations to come.