Global Plastics Treaty: Initial Considerations for INC-4 - “Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.”

The provisional application of the Rules of Procedure (RoP) and the uncertainty this engenders leaves a lingering shadow over the committee and undermines the work of good-faith negotiators. [...] Towards the end of the week, it was clear that in order for the text to reflect the views of all members, the zero draft would need to balloon and absorb inputs representing a diversity of views and positions. [...] Moreover, given the attempts to reduce scope through misuse of definitions, in particular as it relates to the lifecycle of plastics, EIA reiterates its recommendation to use the definition provided by the INC Secretariat as the basis for discussions: 3. [...] For example, conversations about transition to reuse systems or the promotion of right to repair initiatives are inherently about the principle of waste prevention, while discussions on chemicals and polymers of concern naturally foster exploration of how to apply the precautionary principle in the design of control measures related to those issues. [...] The current text reflects the broad impacts across many communities and the need to support transition to alternative livelihoods, jobs and skills development along the plastics value chain, in recognition of the lifecycle impacts of plastics.