The much-anticipated UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Treaty (INC-5), aimed at addressing global plastic pollution, has faced delays following contentious negotiations in Busan, South Korea, in December 2024. Despite agreements among 100 countries, resistance from major fossil fuel-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia and large-scale plastic producers like China has pushed the treaty’s finalization to 2025. However, the treaty remains poised to usher in transformative changes for sustainable packaging, innovation, and circular economy practices.
A Legally Binding Treaty to Combat Plastic Waste
The INC-5 treaty is set to be one of the most impactful sustainability agreements in recent years. Proposed measures include capping plastic production, banning single-use plastics, and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to hold companies accountable for their products’ lifecycle, including post-consumer waste management.
Jamie Cosaitis, Packaging Consumer Insights Consultant at GlobalData, emphasized the treaty’s potential:
“The treaty’s legally binding nature will compel companies to adopt mandatory design amendments, reducing plastic waste and accelerating innovation in sustainable packaging.”
Support for the treaty extends to the business sector, with over 20 CEOs from companies like Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Danone endorsing its implementation through the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty.
Growing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Packaging
Consumer interest in sustainable solutions is on the rise, providing further momentum for the treaty. GlobalData’s Q3 2024 survey revealed that 47% of consumers prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly practices when making purchasing decisions, while 73% consider recyclable packaging essential or desirable.
These preferences underline a shift in consumer expectations and a growing call for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.
Advancing Packaging Innovation: The Role of “Paperization”
The treaty is expected to drive innovation in the development of alternative materials, with “paperization” emerging as a significant trend. This approach focuses on replacing plastic with paper and paperboard materials that offer superior biodegradability.
However, challenges remain. Experts point out that while paper-based packaging is promising, its ability to protect products throughout the supply chain is not yet on par with traditional plastics. In response, manufacturers are exploring biodegradable barrier coatings and alternative plastic polymers, though these options often come with higher costs.
Supporting a Circular Economy
A cornerstone of the treaty is the push toward a circular economy, where packaging materials are designed for reuse, recyclability, and long-term value retention. Key measures include:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Global enforcement of EPR frameworks will unify efforts to reduce waste, ensuring companies bear responsibility for post-consumption disposal.
- Deposit Return Schemes (DRS): Countries like Germany have set benchmarks for successful DRS initiatives, achieving high return rates on single-use drink containers. The UK plans to introduce its own DRS framework by October 2027, although its scope is still under development.
Balancing Innovation Costs and Adoption
While innovative solutions are critical to reducing global plastic waste, affordability remains a barrier. Cosaitis notes:
“The cost of alternative materials must decrease before widespread adoption is feasible. However, strong measures are urgently needed to combat plastic pollution, supported by consumers, businesses, and governments alike.”
Outlook for the Treaty in 2025
Despite delays, the overwhelming support for the treaty among nations reflects a collective acknowledgment of the urgent need to reduce plastic waste. Its eventual implementation will likely reshape packaging industry practices, accelerate sustainable innovation, and strengthen the global circular economy.
The treaty’s progress in 2025 will be closely watched by businesses and consumers alike, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against plastic pollution.