INC-4
The fourth round of negotiations (INC-4) took place in Ottawa, Canada from the 23rd to the 29th April 2024.
INC-4 Outcome Statement
Following the conclusion of INC-4, the Foundation urges delegates to maintainmaintainKeep a product in its existing state of quality, functionally and/or cosmetically, to guard against failure or decline. It is a practice that retains the highest value of a product by extending its use period. ambition as time runs out for an agreement on a treaty to end plastic pollution.
Rob Opsomer, Executive Lead of Plastics and Finance at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said: “With time running out to negotiate the treaty before the final round of talks in the Republic of Korea this November, we urge the delegations to redouble their efforts in progressing the relevant discussions intersessionally and to keep the ambition high in order to secure a strong treaty outcome at INC-5.
“We remain committed to supporting the negotiations by sharing our insights and expertise and continuing to champion this once-in-a-generation opportunity for a UN treaty based on legally binding global rules and a comprehensive circular economy approach."
INC-3
The third round of negotiations (INC-3) took place in Nairobi, Kenya from the 13th to the 19th November 2023.
Reflections on the “zero draft” treaty text published by the INC Chair
One key outcome of INC-3 was the publication of the “zero draft” treaty text by the INC Chair. A snapshot of our perspective: The “zero draft” treaty text represents a solid starting point for governments to advance on substantial negotiations in November. However, the level of ambition should be further strengthened in several areas of the instrument.
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Pre-INC3 submissions provided by the Foundation as part of the official negotiating process
Elements not discussed at INC-2
This submission outlined the Foundation’s proposed scope and principles for a global plastics treaty.
Potential areas for intersessional work
This submission outlined six priority policy areas the Foundation suggests to the INC to consider as a priority for intersessional work.
Total volume reduction to limit or reduce total volume of virgin plastics put on the market.
Elimination criteria & lists for determining problematic and avoidable plastic products and packaging as well as polymers and chemicals of concern.
ReuseReuseThe repeated use of a product or component for its intended purpose without significant modification. systems and delivery models.
Product design.
Key principles and minimum requirements for establishing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems.
Definitions, metrics and methodologies for robust national reporting.
INC-2
The second round of negotiations (INC-2) took place in Paris, France from the 29th of May to the 2nd of June 2023.
Reflections on INC-2
With the second round of negotiations complete and support for an ambitious treaty clear, the process now moves to developing a first draft of the treaty text.
Pre-INC2 submissions provided as input into the official negotiating process
Initial considerations for global rules in the UN treaty to end plastic pollution.
This submission:
showcased the need for concrete objectives, global rules and obligations in the treaty
and provided initial options and considerations on the nature of these rules and obligations.
[View PDF]
Joint submission with the Pew Charitable Trusts, Minderoo Foundation and CDP
This submission focused on Sections II and III of the response template prepared by the Secretariat, and provided feedback on the following questions:
How to ensure effectiveness of the instrument and have efficient national reporting,
and what are other relevant proposals or priorities
[View PDF]