With mounting evidence of the pervasive nature of the plastics pollution crisis, to the extent that micro-plastic is now found in Arctic ice and human bloodstreams, and global production exceeding 460 million tonnes per year, incremental solutions are no longer enough. The upcoming resumed session of the 5th round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2) is a critical opportunity to address the escalating plastic crisis.
Urgent action is required. We must drastically reduce plastic use and improve product design while fostering innovation in safer and more sustainable materials, including, where appropriate, alternatives and non-plastic substitutes and strengthening waste management systems (please refer to Chairman’s text, article 5).
The initial session of the INC-5 took place from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea, and was adjourned without conclusively reaching a binding commitment. The resumed session, INC-5.2, offers a chance for countries to agree on legally binding targets on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, and to cap and reduce plastic production, phase out harmful and unnecessary plastics, and invest in globally equitable and environmentally sound waste management solutions.
Arguably plastics pollution hits marginalised communities and Small Island Developing States hardest, as plastic is often the cheapest option and waste infrastructure is frequently under severe strain if there at all. Crucially, the treaty should address the capacity and financing needs of developing countries to enable them to meet ambitious treaty goals.
Ahead of INC-5.2, international actors will continue to be mobilised through pre-events and webinars to gather expertise and share the most advanced scientific knowledge.
The role of the SMEP Programme – Linking evidence from pilots to policy
SMEP has funded several pilots: Launched by SMEP in January 2022 (just after the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi), these pilots fall into two categories:
- Innovative material substitutes and alternatives for single use plastics, biodegradables, including for fishing gear; and
- Testing viable approaches for diverting plastic from the environment, landfills and burning and end of life solutions.
These pilots, through our technical partnership with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), have been actively participating and informing the policy environment, providing the evidence and insights required to make meaningful policy changes. Throughout the negotiations process, the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme has been informing the process through touch-points dealing with policy with research, innovation, and regional engagement. Specifically, SMEP is playing a role in the promotion of non-plastic substitutes (in both the terrestrial and marine environments), alternatives, circular design, and trade transparency.
- Through the Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FreshPPact), SMEP contributed to the development of the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Sustainable Use of Plastics in Agriculture, advocating for better practices in reducing harmful chemicals, addressing microplastics, and promoting viable alternatives to conventional plastics. This project has also worked strategically with the Ghanaian government to develop a six-pillar policy blueprint for plastics substitutes in Ghana.
- In the marine sector, SMEP-funded project Biodolomer®Ocean for Fishing Nets, led by Catchgreen, has engaged with the has proactively engaged with the World Bank’s PROBLUE programme sharing evidence to support global action on abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG).
- A SMEP policy brief on ‘Plastic Reduction and Management: Summary of Recommendations’ provides a deep dive into policies and standards, including on biodegradation and compostability to support National Management Authorities in East and West Africa. The policy brief was released ahead of INC-5 to guide policymakers on potential standards for regulating biodegradable and compostable plastics, highlighting key gaps and opportunities for further development – particularly in East and West Africa. It features case studies from SMEP projects in Ghana and Kenya, and is supported by two of UNCTAD’s plastics and non-plastics substitutes international trade databases.
We are nearing the final agreement on the INC instruments in the upcoming round of negotiations in August 2025. SMEP’s work on material substitution, circular design, and trade transparency reflects priorities that are now gaining traction in the treaty draft.
These critical elements, shaped in part by SMEP’s contributions and advocacy in treaty-related fora such as the WTO Dialogue on Plastics Pollution, strengthen the treaty framework. They ensure it addresses not only environmental ambition but also practical, inclusive implementation across developing economies.
Additional Resources and Upcoming INC Pre-Events
You can find more information on SMEP’s footprint in the plastics policy environment in the linked resources below.
We encourage you to join SMEP’s technical partner, UNCTAD, on 4 August between 09:00 and 17:00 (CEST) for four dynamic pre‑events that will discuss important angles of the negotiations. Events will take place in-person at Palais des Nations, Building H, Geneva (registration mandatory) as well as online. Note that Indico Registration is mandatory for in-person participation at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Amanda Dinan
SMEP PMA Technical Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement, with inputs from Alexa von Geusau, Staci Warrington and Maria Durleva