Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce the Global Plastic Treaty. Discuss the major roadblocks in finalizing the treaty. Suggest measures to ensure effective global cooperation. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

The Global Plastic Treaty was proposed by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in 2022 to establish a legally binding framework to address plastic pollution, with a target for finalization by 2025. The treaty aims to regulate plastic production, promote recycling, and reduce pollution, but faces several roadblocks due to differing national priorities and industrial resistance.

Body

Major Roadblocks in Finalizing the Treaty

• Limits on Plastic Production: A central issue of contention was whether countries should agree to targets for reducing the production of virgin plastic polymers (made from raw materials derived from petroleum).
  • A group of 66 countries, led by Norway and Rwanda, along with the European Union, argue for capping plastic production to control the environmental impact of plastics.
  • Nations like Saudi Arabia and India, which rely heavily on petrochemicals and plastic production for their economies, opposed any measures that would limit production.
• Lack of Financial Mechanisms: Managing plastic waste costs ~$32 billion annually for developing countries, yet no global fund has been established to assist them.
  • Small island nations like the Maldives, which suffer disproportionately from marine plastic pollution, lack the financial resources for proper waste management.
• Development Concerns: The draft treaty proposed year-wise targets to phase out single-use plastics and restrict hazardous chemicals like Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) by 2040.
  • These measures, while aimed at reducing plastic pollution, were rejected by some countries due to their perceived negative economic impacts.
  • While India has taken steps to curb plastic waste, including banning short-lived plastics and implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime, it opposed the proposed targets, asserting that such regulations could harm the country's development.
• Disagreements on Treaty's Scope: While many nations wanted the treaty to address the full lifecycle of plastics (including production, consumption, waste management, and its impact), some delegations felt the focus should be on plastic waste alone.
  • This created tension between those seeking comprehensive solutions and those prioritizing immediate waste management.
  • Kuwait criticized expanding the mandate beyond plastic pollution, claiming it was a pretext for trade restrictions and economic agendas.

Measures for Effective Global Cooperation

• Harmonized Regulations and Standardized Policies: Establish universal guidelines for plastic production caps, recycling targets, and waste disposal protocols.
  • The European Union’s Plastic Waste Directive mandates 55% plastic recycling by 2030, a model that could be applied globally.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) & Corporate Accountability: Make plastic-producing companies responsible for post-consumer waste management through EPR policies.
  • India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022) require manufacturers to collect back plastic waste and fund its recycling.
• Financial Assistance & Technology Transfer: Create a Global Plastic Fund to assist low-income nations in developing sustainable alternatives & waste management infrastructure.
  • The Basel Convention’s Plastic Waste Partnership supports developing nations in tracking and reducing plastic waste imports.
• Investment in Biodegradable Alternatives: Governments should subsidize research & production of bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA) and plant-based packaging.
  • Japan's "Bioplastic Roadmap" aims to increase the use of bio-based plastic products from approximately 50,000 tons to 2 million tons by 2030.
• Strengthening Global Monitoring & Compliance Mechanisms: Establish a Plastic Pollution Monitoring Body under UNEP to track global progress and impose penalties for non-compliance.
  • The Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) model could be replicated for plastics.

Conclusion

While the Global Plastic Treaty presents a crucial opportunity to tackle plastic pollution, its success depends on balancing economic concerns with environmental goals. A robust enforcement mechanism, global financing for developing nations, and industry accountability are essential for effective international cooperation in addressing this crisis.