Our view on the ‘Non Paper 3.0’

We welcome and support the efforts of the INC Chair to facilitate further discussions amongst governments following the publication of the 3rd iteration of his ‘Non Paper’. We also agree on the need to focus the ongoing efforts of INC members to align on the core elements that must be agreed upon at INC-5, identify priorities to be developed in the interim period and ensure that the treaty is effective, implementable, and fit for the purpose of addressing plastic pollution at a global scale.

‍However, at INC-5 government delegations need to significantly strengthen the draft treaty text proposed in the ‘Non Paper 3.0’. In its current form, it does not create the enabling conditions for UN Member States to implement an ambitious, effective and binding policy framework based on global rules that we have been calling for.

‍Based on our roadmap towards an effective Global Plastics Treaty, we call on INC members to complement and improve the draft articles setting out the core obligations for all countries and the additional steps to enable their effective implementation. In line with the rationale presented in the Chair’s ‘Non Paper’, and with our previous calls, we reiterate the need for governments to: 

1. Agree on an ambitious starting point in the treaty text to address plastic pollution, including through core provisions to restrict or phase out problematic & avoidable plastic products as well as chemicals of concern, and to improve product design and extended producer responsibility (EPR) - to be defined through a common global approach.
2. Commit to put the right structures in place to work on immediate priorities in the interim period between the Diplomatic Conference and first Conference of the Parties.
3. Align on the  arrangements needed to provide capacity building, financial and technological support under the treaty.
4. Provide a strong mandate for the governing body to further strengthen and improve targets and measures to be implemented under the treaty over time.

We, a group of 260+ global businesses, financial institutions and NGOs across the plastics value chain, stand ready to work together with policymakers across the world in the lead-up to and during the last planned round of negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5) in Busan later this month. There is no time to waste on this critical task. 

‍For our specific comments on the key elements of the ‘Non Paper 3.0’, see here.