May 29 to June 2, 2023, was a whirlwind of activity in Paris, France as diplomats, scientists, industry representatives, activists, and other various participants and observers from across the world met for the second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) meeting to develop a binding UN Plastics Treaty. On the ground the whole week were 40 members of the Scientist’s Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty (SCEPT) a group of leading experts on plastics, petrochemicals, and the effects of plastics and microplastics on humans and the environment including two staff members of the Food Packaging Forum.
While the diplomatic negotiations got off to a slow start with the first two days spent debating the official rules of procedure, SCEPT scientists were busy staffing a “scientist’s help desk” to answer questions for diplomats.
Throughout the week SCEPT members participated in dozens of side events including a large SCEPT delegation visit with the French National Senate for an in-depth exchange with two current French senators (Philippe Bolo and Angèle Préville). Additionally, Jane Muncke, managing director of the Food Packaging Forum, was selected to present at a side event on the circular economy. She gave a 5-minute presentation alongside representatives from national governments, reuse operators, the plastics industry, and civil society focusing on the challenge of chemicals in plastics (FPF reported).
Once procedural issues were resolved (for now) the diplomats split into two groups to work through, point-by-point, the obligations for the treaty.
Group 1 had the goal to go through 12 objectives including a wide range of specific topics such as reducing the production and consumption of primary plastics, chemicals, and polymers of concern, reducing microplastics, reduce/reuse/repair of products, existing plastic pollution, and protecting human health. A range of proposals were made on each objective with support both for and against many of the proposed options outlined under each obligation. Many countries supported strong mandatory restrictions and reporting while others asked for only voluntary initiatives with limited reporting (FPF reported). Overall, this group took much more time with more diverging views than in Group 2.
Group 2 focused on means of implementation, implementation measures, and other matters. National action plans were generally agreed upon, and it was noted they should consider national circumstances including a set of minimum requirements and guidance templates for reporting, but they must not be the only legally binding provision of the future instrument (FPF reported). Divergent views existed on the establishment of a scientific and technical panel to review national action plans, but there was agreement on the need for a strong science-policy interface. Broad support existed for using a scientific/technical body for reviewing available data and the need for close cooperation with the science-policy panel for chemicals and waste (FPF reported). Concerns existed about mandatory reporting/release of data and about potential conflicts with World Trade Organization agreements.
On Friday June 2, 2023, the two groups outlined the views of all the proposals included in the options document and planned the way forward. Delegates agreed that there will be a synthesis report developed by the UN secretariat on INC-2, creation of a zero draft of the treaty by INC-3, elements for intersessional work (reports to write between INC-2 and 3) can be submitted until August 15, 2023, and a 1-day preparation meeting will take place before INC-3.
INC-3 will take place in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023, and INC-4 and 5 in Ottawa, Canada and Seoul, South Korea, respectively.
Throughout the event SCEPT scientists spoke to representatives from international organizations including UN Environment Program (UNEP), World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the European Commission as well as delegates from countries in every continent that together represent one third (33.5%) of the world’s population.
References
Justin Boucher (May 29 to June 2, 2023). “INC-2 Daily Updates.”
UNEP. “Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution.”
UNEP (April 13, 2023). “Potential options for elements towards an international legally binding instrument, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastics as called for by United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/14.”
United Nations Population Fund (June 2023). “World Population Dashboard.”
SCEPT. “Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty.” International Knowledge Hub Against Plastic Pollution
International Institute for Sustainable Development (May 29 to June 2, 2023). “2nd Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-2).”
Read more
Phillipe Bolo and Angèle Préville (May 2023). “The scientific issues relating to the international treaty to end plastic pollution.” The National Senate of France
