We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
International Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution - Past discussions and future perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This article analyzes the four Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings leading toward a legally binding global plastics treaty under UNEA resolution 5/14, examining the evolution of negotiating positions and key sticking points across sessions including INC4 in April 2024. The study discusses the direction of negotiations needed to achieve an effective treaty with broad participation from major plastic-producing and emitting countries.
Based on UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) resolution 5/14 'Ending plastic pollution', adopted in March 2022, a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution is to be developed. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on plastic pollution has started and INC4 was organised in April 2024. This article analyses the discussions at the four meetings of the INC and discusses the direction to reach a certain conclusion by the INC 5, and to make it an effective treaty with the participation of many major producing and major emitting countries.Ver.1.1_ On September 30th, this brief (ver1.1) is revised with inputs based on the discussion of Ad Hoc Intersessional Open-ended Expert Groups organised in August 2024.Ver.1.2_ On November 1st, this brief (ver1.2) is revised with inputs based on the co-chair summary of Ad Hoc Intersessional Open-ended Expert Groups and NON-PAPER 3 OF THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE published in October, 2024.
More Papers Like This
The plastics treaty: steps forward, agreement deferred
AI summary Read the abstract
This perspective piece reviews the progress of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) toward an international legally binding plastics treaty from 2022 to mid-2025. It outlines the divergent positions of countries on production caps, chemical restrictions, and financing mechanisms, and assesses the likelihood of an effective global agreement.
Five’s a crowd: divergence and delay at the first half of the fifth global plastics treaty negotiation (INC-5.1)
AI summary Read the abstract
Participant observation and document analysis of the UN INC-5.1 global plastics treaty negotiations in Busan (2024) revealed that fundamental disagreements between waste-management-focused nations and those advocating full lifecycle production limits prevented consensus, extending negotiations beyond 2026. The impasse underscores how divergent national interests continue to stall binding international action on plastic pollution at its source.
Author comment: The global plastics treaty: understanding the present to guide the future — R2/PR7
AI summary Read the abstract
This literature review maps the body of scientific research on the UN Global Plastics Treaty, identifying Environmental Sciences/Ecology and Government Law as the most active subject areas, and noting an interdisciplinary character with significant gaps in author collaboration. The author argues this synthesis can serve as a foundation for researchers seeking to strengthen the literature informing the treaty negotiation process.
Deadlock at INC-5.2: Understanding the blocked progress of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
AI summary Read the abstract
The Global Plastics Treaty negotiations at INC-5.2 in 2025 collapsed due to a fundamental split between nations favoring upstream plastic production caps and oil-producing states limiting discussion to downstream waste management. This governance failure has profound implications for microplastic pollution, as without production limits, plastic fragmentation into the environment will continue accelerating.
Challenges for a Sustainable Plastic World after INC-5
AI summary Read the abstract
Following the INC-5 global plastics treaty negotiations in Busan, this commentary assesses current plastic production, recycling gaps (only 9% recycled globally), and the limitations of biodegradable alternatives. The authors call for continued international consensus-building alongside government regulation, industry responsibility, and individual behavior change to achieve sustainable plastic management.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.