An effort by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) resumed this month to continue development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The event, the second part of a fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), marked the latest in an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process dating back to March 2022. More than 3,700 participants registered to participate at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Officials reported that more than 2,600 took part.
“Plastic pollution is already in nature, in our oceans and even in our bodies. If we continue as on this trajectory, the whole world will be drowning in plastic pollution—with massive consequences for our planetary, economic and human health,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. “But this does not have to be our future. Together, we can solve this challenge.” A treaty text is the first step to beating plastic pollution “for everyone, everywhere,” Andersen said.
The aim included finalizing and approving the text of an agreement, which could be sent for consideration and adoption. Ten days later, INC officials announced they were unable to arrive at a consensus. More than 1,400 member delegates from 183 countries walked away empty handed. The meeting ended “with a clearly expressed desire by member states to continue the process, recognizing the significant difference of views between states,” officials said.
It was a “hard-fought 10 days” Andersen said, driven by economic challenges, geopolitical complexities and multilateral strains. But all countries clearly want to remain at the table, he suggested.
“This is a unique and historic opportunity for the international community to bridge differences and find common ground. It is not just a test of our diplomacy—it is a test of our collective responsibility to protect the environment, safeguard human health, enable sustainable economies, and stand in solidarity with those most affected by this plastic pollution crisis,” said INC chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso.
At this year’s Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s (FGIA) Annual Conference, Ned Monroe, president and CEO of the Vinyl Institute warned attendees that while the original intent of an agreement was aimed primarily at plastics used in packaging, the focus had since expanded to include all plastics. Meanwhile, a new administration had paused U.S. negotiations in the effort.
Regarding the recent session, “The Vinyl Institute is proud to have participated in several INC meetings, educating delegates on the vital role vinyl plays in helping to achieve progress towards several of the UN sustainable development goals,” Monroe told [DWM]. The lack of an agreement marks a missed opportunity to “build a meaningful framework to solve the plastic waste crisis through a collaborative approach to waste management, innovation, and circularity,” he said. “We encourage governments to find common ground and focus on achievable, science-based solutions.”
Failing to reach the established goal may bring frustration, said Valdivieso, but it should also “spur us to regain our energy, renew our commitments, and unite our aspirations,” he added. “It has not happened yet in Geneva, but I have no doubt that the day will come when the international community will unite its will and join hands to protect our environment and safeguard the health of our people.”
The committee agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced.