About the UN Plastic Treaty

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’s aim was to have completed its work by the end of 2024, with a treaty ready for ratification.

In November 2024, the fifth session (INC-5) was adjourned with agreement on a ‘Chair’s Text’ that will serve as the starting point for negotiations at a resumed session in 2025.

In March 2025, Reloop proposed Amendments to the Chair’s Text ahead of INC5.2, to be held in Geneva in August 2025. This session was also adjourned early on 15 August without a consensus on the text of the instrument. The Committee agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced.  

The INC draft treaty

The INC issued a Zero Draft treaty text in December 2023. Following INC-4 a Compilation of the treaty text was issued in July 2024.

Reloop proposed eight key recommendations for this treaty text.