From August 5 to 14, an international delegation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) has been convened in Geneva, Switzerland, for the final round of talks to draft a legally binding international agreement (ILBI) to end plastic pollution. Earlier, in May 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly passed a resolution to develop such a binding measure to address plastic pollution, including its impact on the marine environment. Since then, five rounds of negotiations have taken place, and this final session is expected to focus on addressing the entire life cycle of plastics—from primary polymer production to disposal.
According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for plastic has nearly doubled since 2000. A recent study shows that in 2022, 436.66 million tonnes of polymers and plastics were traded, including feedstock, with 111 million tonnes being final plastic products. Currently, 99% of plastic is derived from fossil fuels. These are refined into monomers (the building blocks), then processed into polymers, with over 16,000 different chemicals used during production. Regulating plastics will thus inherently involve regulating petrochemicals. To effectively govern plastic production and consumption, the focus must be on these foundational substances and their trade.
Over 600 civil society organizations across the globe have signed a manifesto calling for a strong treaty that demands significant reductions in plastic production. The declaration stresses that plastic pollution harms the climate, biodiversity, human health, human rights, and the planet’s ability to sustain life. These groups have demanded the treaty ensure a substantial decrease in global plastic production, elimination of hazardous chemicals in the plastic life cycle, transparency in plastic-related information, clear and adequate financial commitments and mechanisms for implementation, a just transition for affected communities, an end to waste colonialism and environmental racism, prioritization of reuse and refill systems, and the protection of human rights. The treaty must also consider that hazardous chemicals in plastic and waste are already regulated by the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, and any new ILBI provisions may conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. This could impact developing nations and countries reliant on polymer trade due to potential trade restrictions.
Meanwhile, the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) has expressed support for a global plastic treaty and confirmed Africa's engagement with the INC to develop a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. The conference, which concluded on July 18 in Nairobi, recognized that Africa stands at a critical juncture in protecting its natural capital—which includes diverse ecosystems, landscapes, air, rich biodiversity, minerals, freshwater, and marine resources. It called for a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, including the empowerment of communities, women, and youth, to promote environmental protection and foster future leadership committed to sustainable practices.
Plastic pollution has reached every corner of the planet—it contaminates drinking water, food, and even the human body. Due to excessive plastic use, over 4,200 toxic chemicals from plastic are polluting human bodies, food systems, and ecosystems. Microplastics have been found in human blood, placentas, and organs, while toxic emissions from production, incineration, and recycling poison communities. A recent global study found that over 356,000 deaths from heart disease in 2018 were linked to exposure to DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), a chemical used to make plastic flexible, which poses serious health risks.
Between 2000 and 2019, around 30 million tonnes of plastic accumulated in marine environments. Experts warn that by 2050, there may be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Plastic pollution contributes to the climate crisis, the destruction of nature and biodiversity, and the challenge of waste and pollution. Globally, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems annually. In agriculture, the use of plastic and waste sludge from landfills introduces microplastics into the soil. The social and environmental costs of plastic pollution are estimated to range between $300 billion and $600 billion annually.
In India, 62% of all plastic is used for packaging—far above the global average of 40%. Plastic packaging consumption in India is growing at an annual rate of 8–9%. If current trends continue, consumption could nearly double—from 11 million tonnes in 2022 to 20 million tonnes by 2030. According to researchers at the University of Leeds, India is the world’s largest generator of plastic waste, producing 10.2 million tonnes annually. Despite global efforts promoting a life-cycle approach, India, a key player in the petrochemical industry, continues to limit the treaty's scope to downstream solutions. This fails to address the root problem—unchecked plastic production (50% of which is single-use)—that overloads waste systems and creates risks to public health and the environment throughout its production-to-disposal cycle. Worse still is the promotion of waste-to-energy incineration, which releases toxic pollutants and microplastics. India must take stronger action.
Indian citizens urge their delegation to support a robust global plastic treaty that focuses on human health and upstream solutions. There is also an urgent need for enforceable life-cycle-based guidelines on plastic packaging, design, and material use.
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*Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Association
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