Global Plastic Treaty : Objective zero plastic pollution in 2040 – Now is the time to fight

Halfway through the negotiations, the results are bitter: the shadow of petrochemical interests hangs over the treaty, and NGOs fear that the set objective of zero plastic pollution in 2040 cannot be achieved. 

For everyone, more than ever, now is the time to fight. 

The SeaCleaners, an observer member of the United Nations Environment Program, was at the negotiating table. We tell you behind the scenes. 

It was at the headquarters of the UN Environment (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, that the discussions were held on November 13. The atmosphere was electric in this highly symbolic place, where countries launched the challenge in March 2022 of an international legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040. 18 months later, the negotiations are bogged down. 

While a majority of countries, including those in the High Ambition Coalition, as well as environmental protection associations and NGOs, advocate a massive reduction in plastic production, countries producing and exporting oil and petrochemical products, as well as the plastics industry, remain focused on recycling and reuse. 

A joint proposal from Switzerland and Uruguay on reducing harmful polymers and chemicals of concern has garnered support from more than 100 states. The EU, Kenya and Canada have clearly stated that plastic production must be limited. But a coalition made up of Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia, among others, and opposed to any reduction in production, has prioritized recycling, often obstructing discussions. 

The negotiations around this preliminary draft of the Treaty (the Zero Draft) were to give rise to a first draft. But instead of being revised and streamlined, the draft grew due to the new proposals. 

Divisions also grew over whether the terms of this treaty should be legally binding or voluntary. 

Plastic production has doubled in 20 years, and, at the current rate, it could triple by 2060 if nothing is done quickly. 1 ton of waste reaches the ocean every 3 seconds. 

For NGOs such as The SeaCleaners, the observation is clear. Now is the time to fight, together, to stand up and still believe in an ambitious treaty. Thus, The SeaCleaners is a member of the Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty (IAGPT)*, to bring the voice of innovation in the fight against plastic pollution to these debates. 

Discover the positions of The SeaCleaners in the Plastic Treaty

This is the third time that negotiators have met to finalize a treaty by 2024. Two more rounds of negotiations will take place next year in Canada, in Ottawa for INC-4 and in Korea, in Busan for INC-5 . But some already think that an INC-6 will be inevitable.