Reloop’s work on the UN legally binding instrument on plastic pollution
In March 2022, governments around the world recognised the urgent need to develop a legally binding treaty addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution.
The Resolution
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a Resolution on 2 March 2022 that acknowledges the importance of an international approach to addressing plastic pollution.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
This resolution has led to the establishment of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) to address plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The INC aims to have completed its work by the end of 2024, with a treaty ready for ratification.
INC Meetings
INC Meeting 4 (INC-4)
Ottawa, Canada
21 – 30 April 2024
INC Meeting 5 (INC-5)
Busan, South Korea
25 November – 1 December 2024
The current INC draft treaty
The INC issued a Zero Draft treaty text in September 2023.
Reloop’s submissions to the draft treaty
Reloop and its associated experts have prepared papers that clarify key issues in the treaty negotiations and have submitted technical papers to the INC process.
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INC-3 Written Submission B
Reloop’s written submission in advance of INC-3, proposing several areas for inter-sessional work.
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INC-3 Written Submission A
Reloop’s written submission in advance of INC-3, commenting on the scope of the International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI).
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INC-2 Written Submission
This Position paper for INC-2 focuses on the issues of binding targets that will need to be met by governments, the importance of a global common language and data systems, and how to establish a reliable framework for Extended Producer Responsibility.
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Addressing the global plastic waste crisis
UNEP’s Turning Off the Tap study downplays the importance and feasibility of delivering quality and convenient waste management services. This study contends that the scale and costs involved make it impractical to implement comprehensive waste collection services for all.
Summaries of Reloop’s submissions to the INC process
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Basis for an International Legally Binding Instrument
Briefing paper commenting on Measure 7 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Measure 9a (Waste Management).
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Meeting environmental and social goals whilst ensuring a just transition
Considering situations with lower scale waste management systems for the International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution.
Summary on financing
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Crafting a Blueprint for Financing an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution
Recommendations on ensuring that the UN international legally binding instrument’s implementation can be financed.
Summary analysis on reducing primary plastics production
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Reducing primary plastics production: What are the right measures?
Analysis of ways to mitigate plastic pollution by reducing plastic production and consumption.
Watch this 16 minute video focusing on the global commitment to combat plastic pollution and the significance of exploring additional funding measures.
Simplifying extended producer responsibility (EPR)
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Simplifying Extended Producer Responsibility for an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution
Summary of recommendations to simplify extended producer responsibility to deliver on the legally binding instrument’s objective.
Summary exploring options for the Zero Draft
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A Global Commitment to Combat Plastic Pollution: Exploring the Options in the Zero Draft
Summary analysis of the options for a global commitment to combat plastic pollution.
A dual-action approach delivering critical benefits for the climate, the environment and for business – adopted by the EU and recommended globally.
Our comprehensive overview of Deposit Return Systems for Single-Use Beverage Containers.
Drawing on data from 93 countries, over a 20 year period, examining trends in sales, collection and wastage of drinks containers.