Why Reuse Should be Top of the Agenda at INC-5 in Busan

This article was originally published in the Financial Times’ Sustainable Views on the 25th of November 2024.

This week, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution convened in Busan, South Korea, to continue its efforts towards developing a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.

With the last meeting having failed to agree on approaches to reducing plastic production, global attention is on the next round of negotiations. The outcome could be historic: this round could lead to a global consensus on a robust, legally binding treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics. Or it could mean further delay and discord.

Key Themes to Watch at INC-5

• The importance of reuse systems – Plastic reuse systems offer a discreet yet impactful approach to reducing plastic waste without imposing immediate production caps. Scaling these systems will require strong collaboration between governments and the private sector, alongside supportive mandates.
• Effective Government Intervention– Robust government actions are critical.  Legislation has the power to encourage consumers to change their behaviours by making sustainable options more attractive through cost or quality advantages.
• Businesses can lead the change – Businesses are also well positioned to lead the change to reusable food service packaging formats and implement closed-loop reuse systems. With businesses and consumers increasingly aligned on their desire for change, we now need the international community to help them deliver.
• The importance of the November negotiations – As negotiations unfold, the focus must remain on creating frameworks that empower businesses and governments to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, as the urgency for systemic change has never been greater.

Read the full article here.

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