The BPF At INC-4, Canada
The BPF attended the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) 4th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The negotiations took place from the 23rd – 29th April 2024, in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Lara Steinhobel and Helen Jordan represented the BPF as a registered UN Observer. More than 2,500 delegates participated, representing 170 Member States and over 480 Observer organisations including non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations, and UN entities. INC-4 marked the Committee’s largest and most inclusive gathering to date, with Observer participation increasing by almost 50%.
The week of negotiations was busy, with Member States dividing into sub-groups mandated to streamline the Zero Draft Text before entering into textural negotiations. Topics that were hotly debated included Primary Plastic Polymers, Problematic and Avoidable Plastic Products, Chemicals of Concern, Financing of the instrument and the treaty’s overarching Principles and Objectives. Views on these provisions remain divided with no signs of either side looking to compromise.
Helen and Lara stayed in close communication with Defra as the lead UK negotiators, had meetings with various other trade bodies and companies, and attended industry morning meetings hosted by the International Council of Chemical Associations.
Going forward, the INC Chair has agreed to formal intersessional work to be undertaken by ‘Ad-Hoc Open-Ended Expert Groups’. The groups will look to address the means of implementation of the treaty (including financing), chemicals of concern, polymers of concern and product design. This work will take place ahead of INC-5 which will be hosted in Busan, South Korea, over 25th November - 1st December 2024, with the hopes of having a final treaty signed in 2025.
The BPF will continue to stay close to the process as it unfolds, including having meetings with Defra and attending the OPLN UK Dialogues between now and INC-5.
