This week, the world’s attention turns to Busan, South Korea, as INC-5 negotiations kick off—a milestone gathering for policymakers, businesses, and civil society. These negotiations represent a collective effort to shape the foundation of an ambitious UN Plastics Treaty. For all of us committed to addressing the global plastic crisis, this is more than just a diplomatic event; it’s a defining moment to transition from dialogue to decisive action.
At Earth Action, we believe that this week presents an unparalleled opportunity to tackle the systemic challenges of plastic waste and establish the building blocks for coordinated global solutions. With negotiations underway, here’s a closer look at the critical questions and potential outcomes of INC-5.
The Balancing Act at INC-5
Negotiating a treaty of this scale is never simple—it requires balancing ambition with pragmatism, global alignment with local realities. INC-5 exemplifies these tensions. Over the past months, the Chair’s non-paper has served as a compass, offering clarity on key strategies while leaving certain critical questions open.
As discussions evolve this week, several key themes will dominate the agenda:
- Global versus national measures: Should policies around plastic production, chemical use, and waste management be harmonized on a global scale, or should they remain flexible to local contexts?
- Transparency and accountability: How can we ensure that accurate data on plastic flows and impacts is disclosed by businesses and governments alike?
- Financing the transition: Who will bear the cost of implementing the systems and infrastructure needed to scale circular solutions and reduce waste?
While the answers to these questions remain uncertain, they are pivotal to determining how impactful and equitable the treaty will ultimately be.
The Role of Businesses: Leading from the Front
While governance frameworks are being debated, businesses have the opportunity—and responsibility—to act now. Tools like Plasteax and the Plastic Footprint Network are already equipping companies with the data and frameworks they need to align with emerging treaty requirements.
In our work at Earth Action, we’ve seen how corporate plastic footprinting can drive tangible results, including:
- Phasing out problematic materials from supply chains.
- Improving the recyclability of products to close material loops.
- Building transparency and trust with stakeholders.
As we’re often sharing with partners: “The treaty may set the rules of the game, but businesses have the chance to lead by example today.” Now is the moment for companies to demonstrate proactive leadership and pave the way for systemic change.
Why INC-5 Matters
The numbers don’t lie. Plastic production continues to soar, ecosystems are choking on waste, and vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of its consequences. We know that a strong and unified treaty has the potential to alter this trajectory. It can create a roadmap for reducing plastic waste, increasing recycling rates, and driving a circular economy.
However, the stakes are equally high for failure. Fragmented measures could entrench existing gaps, leaving the global community ill-equipped to address this escalating crisis. That’s why INC-5 is so much more than a diplomatic checkpoint—it’s a chance to define bold, forward-looking solutions that meet the scale of the problem.
As the week unfolds, we’re optimistic for ambitious outcomes. The decisions made at INC-5 have the potential to shape a future where plastic waste is no longer an inevitability but a challenge we’ve collectively overcome. At Earth Action, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting this transition—through science, collaboration, and action.
Let’s hope that INC-5 is remembered as the moment when the world chose to act decisively on plastic pollution.
(Want to know more about Earth Action’s tools and insights for tackling plastic waste? Reach out to our team or explore our platforms like Plasteax and the Plastic Footprint Network.)
