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 1 (INC-1)

Punta del Este, Uruguay
28 November – 2 December 2022

INC Meeting 2 (INC-2)

Paris, France
29 May – 2 June 2023

INC Meeting 3 (INC-3)

Nairobi, Kenya
13 – 19 November 2023

INC Meeting 4 (INC-4)

Ottawa, Canada
21 – 30 April 2024

INC Meeting 5 (INC-5)

South Korea
Date TBC – late 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.
Resource: Report

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.