‘The UK was able to incorporate its proposal on problematic and avoidable plastics into the draft treaty text’
The UK government has welcomed the progress made toward a new legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Discussions took place amongst 170 United Nations Member States at the fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) held 23-29 April in Ottawa, Canada.
It is anticipated that by the end of 2024, a legally binding instrument will be presented reflecting diverse alternatives to address the full lifecycle of plastics, and the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials. It will also cover the need for enhanced international collaboration to facilitate access to technology, capacity building and scientific and technical cooperation.
The environment minister, Rebecca Pow, said: ‘There remains substantial differences between parties on the level of ambition for the treaty, which has meant that progress has been slower than we would have hoped on some key areas.’
Despite this, Pow added, ‘The UK was able to incorporate its proposal on problematic and avoidable plastics into the draft treaty text, and we are pleased that countries have agreed to progress these plans in the coming months.’
As the meeting started, ExxonMobil made a call for negotiators to ‘preserve the many benefits of plastics.’
‘The ideal outcome of these talks is a ratified treaty that keeps waste out of rivers and oceans,’ the company said. Highlighting its advanced recycling plant located in Baytown, Texas, US the company added: ‘Because our mass balance approach is certified by an independent, third-party system, our customers know their purchases help prevent used plastics from going to landfills or being incinerated.’
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) a shift to a circular economy can reduce virgin plastic production 55%. However, global plastic production, which stood at 348 million tonnes in 2017, is expected to double in capacity by 2040.
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