Following the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi on 2 March 2022, where Heads of state, environment ministers and other representatives of UN member states passed a landmark resolution to end plastic pollution and create a legally binding international agreement by 2024, EXPRA contributed to the final version of the EPR declaration on the UN plastics treaty.
The historic resolution at the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in Nairobi, based on three initial draft resolutions from various nations, establishes an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), which will begin its work in 2022, with the ambition of completing a draft global legally binding agreement by the end of 2024. It is expected to present a legally binding instrument, which would reflect diverse alternatives to address the full lifecycle of plastics, the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need for enhanced international collaboration to facilitate access to technology, capacity building and scientific and technical cooperation. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will convene a forum by the end of 2022 that is open to all stakeholders in conjunction with the first session of the INC, to share knowledge and best practices in different parts of the world. It will facilitate open discussions and ensure they are informed by science, reporting on progress throughout the next two years. Finally, upon completion of the INC’s work, UNEP will convene a diplomatic conference to adopt its outcome and open it for signatures.
Ahead of the first negotiations for an International Plastic Pollution Treaty in Uruguay, which aims to help national measures and emphasises EPR schemes as key players in tackling plastic pollution, EXPRA presented the common position for the inclusion of the Extended Producer Responsibility model in the future treaty text, co-signed by nearly forty producer responsibility organisations from around the world. A common position that supports the inclusion of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes in the treaty text because of their effectiveness against plastic pollution and as a key tool to encourage all key actors and stakeholders to set clear targets, at every stage of the plastics value chain, that strengthen the circular economy and the protection of the planet.
The legally binding legislation that will be discussed could in fact create mandates for the implementation of EPR in every country in the world to set clear targets, at every stage of the plastic value chain, that strengthen the circular economy, biodiversity and carbon neutrality.
Together with Industry, EXPRA was represented at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The EPR statement was presented during the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (28 November-2 December). The entire process, comprising five sessions of the INC, is expected to last until 2024.
Website:
Include EPR within the International Treaty on plastics pollution.pdf (expra.eu)