Our presence at INC-4

More than 200 businesses and financial institutions have now joined the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty in our call for a legally binding treaty that is underpinned by harmonised regulations in order to tackle the entire lifecycle of plastic products. During the fourth round of negotiations (INC-4) in April 2024, we would like to see the focus placed on:

1. Prioritising discussions on provisions related to restrictions and phase-outs, reuse policies, product design requirements, extended producer responsibility, and waste management. These critical elements have the greatest potential to deliver positive change as urgently as we need it. 

2. Building on lessons from voluntary efforts to shape globally binding rules that can scale available solutions to tackle plastic pollution globally, create transparency, and level the playing field for industry.

3. Agreeing on a “start-and-strengthen" approach, which focuses initially on the plastic applications and sectors where there is already alignment, such as packaging, to make the most of the limited time left for negotiations. 

In consultation with experts from our network, we have developed detailed briefing papers on each of these critical elements.

There is unprecedented agreement across the plastics value chain on a number of realistic and achievable globally binding rules, which can and should underpin an effective treaty, while enabling a just transition for all people involved in the plastics value chain. To implement these successfully, there is a need for increased knowledge sharing, capacity building and financial support.

With limited time left for the negotiations, we suggest tackling three areas as a priority: 

• A core obligation for all parties to the treaty to implement restrictions and phase-outs in a globally coordinated manner where plastic-containing products hinder progress towards a circular economy, pose critical health risks or have a high risk of ending up in nature. 

• A core obligation for all parties to the treaty to implement mandatory product design requirements, based on clear definitions and harmonised criteria. 

• A core obligation for all parties to the treaty to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations based on common modalities, yet differentiated timelines for their implementation. 

There is no time to waste, and ambition is critical to success. At UNEA 5, UN member states agreed to “end plastic pollution”. We must not settle for a treaty that falls short of delivering this goal. 

While a larger number of endorsing organisations are present in Ottawa, the following representatives from companies will be acting as spokespeople for the Business Coalition during INC-4:

• Alpla: Volker Gloeckner, Public Affairs & Circular Economy Specialist
• Amcor: David Clark,VP Sustainability
• Borealis: Venetia Spencer, Head Sustainability Public Affairs Europe
• Circulate Capital: April Crow, VP External Affairs and Investor Relations
• Emerald Packaging: Francisco Gamez, Director of Innovation
• Gemini: Vikas Chhajer, Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer
• L'Oreal: Punji Leagnavar, Global Environment Director
• Mars: Allison Lin, Global VP, Packaging Sustainability
• Nestlé: Jodie Roussell, Global Public Affairs Lead, Packaging & Sustainability
• New European Reuse Alliance: Ulysse Revat-Dontenwill, Public Affairs Coordinator - Circular economy
• PepsiCo: Carolyn Panzarella, Senior Manager, Global Environmental Policy
• SAP: Stephen Jamieson, Global Head of Circular Economy Solutions
• TerraCycle & Loop: Alexandra Golden, Director Strategic Relationships
• The Coca-Cola Company: Ben Jordan, Senior Director, Environmental Policy
• Tomra: Jacob Rognhaug, VP Public Affairs System Design
• Unilever: Ed Shepherd, Senior Global Sustainability Manager - Circular Economy
• Walmart: Tom Smith, Director, Global Government Affairs and Business Diplomacy