The Plastics Treaty in 2025: IPEN Views on the Chair’s Text

The Plastics Treaty fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) talks ending in December 2024 resulted in a new proposed text from the Chair. The text will be a helpful starting point when the negotiations resume in 2025; however, while the text contains meaningful elements, including that the Treaty would allow for a reduction in plastic production, it will require significant revisions to ensure that the Treaty can meet its objective of protecting human health and the environment.

We encourage delegates to stand for a meaningful agreement with controls on toxic chemicals in plastics and methods to limit plastic production, as there is otherwise a risk of a weak Treaty that would facilitate the recirculation of toxic chemicals under the guise of a “circular economy” and continue to permit plastics to threaten our health and poison communities.