Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5)

What you need to know

Building momentum for a plastic-free future

At the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, nations are coming together with a powerful goal: to create the first global, legally binding agreement on plastic pollution. This is a pivotal step towards tackling plastic waste across its entire life cycle—from production and design to disposal and recovery—and protecting our oceans, communities, and ecosystems.

How it all started

This movement began at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), where member states made a historic decision to combat plastic pollution through an international treaty. This mandate, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has driven INC negotiations since 2022, with a commitment to finalize an agreement by the end of 2024. This ambitious timeline aims to address plastic pollution’s urgent challenges and shape sustainable, global solutions.

Progress so far

The first INC meetings focused on defining the treaty’s scope and the specific issues it would tackle. Countries voiced support for strategies that address plastics across their life cycle, including limits on production, sustainable product design, and the health and environmental impacts of plastic. By INC-3 and INC-4, countries were discussing essential treaty elements, like extended producer responsibility, limits on single-use plastics, and recycling targets.

To ensure the treaty benefits all, discussions have emphasized the need for funding and technical support, especially for lower-income countries. This collaborative approach seeks to establish a treaty framework that is both inclusive and effective in reducing global plastic pollution.

What’s on the table at INC-5

At INC-5, delegates will take on the most pressing aspects of the treaty, with a focus on:

• Setting binding targets: agreed reduction goals for plastic production and waste.
• Sustainable design guidelines: policies to encourage plastic alternatives, including biodegradable materials and better recycling methods.
• Funding for low-income nations: talks on creating a financial mechanism to help countries lacking infrastructure to combat plastic pollution effectively.

INC-5 will also address accountability and compliance, ensuring that countries meet their commitments through regular reporting and independent assessments. This accountability is crucial for the treaty’s long-term success.

A turning point for plastic pollution

While final treaty details remain to be settled, INC-5 is expected to outline key elements, like reduction targets, design standards, and support for developing nations. The outcomes of INC-5 could shape a transformative international agreement that not only reduces plastic waste but promotes a shift to sustainable production and consumption worldwide.

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