INC-5.2 Opens Today—Global Focus Shifts From Commitment to Action

Geneva, August 4, 2025 — Today, the second phase of the fifth meeting (INC-5.2) of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) will officially commence at the United Nations Office at Geneva, marking a critical stage in global negotiations on plastic pollution governance. Representatives from over 170 countries have gathered to strive for a legally binding global plastic treaty. This agreement aims to comprehensively address the threats posed by plastic pollution to the environment and human health, from source to end-of-life.

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NGO and enterprises join hands to call for "comprehensive lifecycle solutions"

During the conference, the environmental organization WRAP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation jointly hosted a side event focusing on how to turn existing global commitments into concrete actions. WRAP emphasized that a strong, legally binding global treaty is essential and must cover the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production and use to recycling and final disposal.

The organization showcases circular economy practices already in place in several countries through its "Plastics Pact Network." This network covers 19 countries and brings together over 900 companies and organizations. It is providing scalable and replicable pathways for global plastic governance by eliminating problematic plastics, promoting reuse systems, and building circular models that meet local needs.

Leaders of the Plastic Convention from India, Chile, and Pacific Island countries shared their achievements in promoting circular solutions with business representatives at a side event, demonstrating the potential for cross-industry collaboration to accelerate global implementation.

Organizations such as WRAP also support the “Nairobi Declaration,” a joint call endorsed by more than 100 countries, advocating that the treaty should cover the entire life cycle of plastics. It emphasizes that efforts should not focus solely on end-of-life waste management, but should also prevent and reduce pollution at the source.

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Industry: The Debate Between Realism and "Negotiation and Compromise"

Meanwhile, the plastics industry is also speaking out. A representative of the Global Plastics Council stated at the World Economic Forum meeting held on August 3 that they hope the treaty will focus on practical and feasible issues, such as waste management and recycling systems, rather than introducing regulations related to chemical health risks in the treaty. He warned that excessive involvement in these "divisive issues" could hinder the conclusion of the treaty.

This view immediately sparked skepticism from other delegates in attendance. Some representatives from environmental and policy groups stated bluntly that the treaty should not compromise on health issues and should set clear targets for source management, the banning of toxic substances, and the development of reusable packaging systems.

"We cannot sacrifice the ambition of the treaty for the sake of compromise," a representative stated. "We must not allow a minority opposing public health protection to influence the entire negotiation."

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Differences remain, but there is also consensus.

EPR, recycling, design reform

Despite significant disagreements on issues such as chemical regulation and plastic production limits, the participants have reached preliminary consensus on certain technical measures. For example, extended producer responsibility (EPR), promoting the use of recycled materials in packaging, and enhancing infrastructure for reusable and recyclable packaging.

Notably, the business community is also gradually beginning to accept regulatory demands concerning "toxic chemicals." Executives from consumer goods companies have expressed support for the treaty's restrictions on the application scenarios of "chemicals of concern" to prevent them from entering the recycling system.

"We need a policy framework that helps to promote the global circular economy. Institutional support is crucial to achieving significant progress in the next five years," an industry representative concluded.

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What is the future of the plastic treaty?

The ten-day negotiation is regarded as the "last attempt" following the unsuccessful meeting in South Korea at the end of 2024. All parties hope to reach compromises and breakthroughs on core issues such as the treaty framework, implementation mechanisms, financial support, and chemical management during this round of talks.

As one attendee mentioned, "If we cannot reach a consensus on this global pollution issue, it will be a historic regret."