Streamlined Comparison of the Third Non-Paper and Compilation Draft Text of the Future Plastics Treaty

The document synthesizes two primary negotiating texts for a future global plastics treaty, highlighting critical gaps in the Chair's third Non-Paper compared to the Compilation draft. It details proposed articles on the full lifecycle of plastics, including primary polymer production, chemicals of concern, product design, waste management, and a just transition for waste pickers. The synthesis includes various options for mandatory and voluntary obligations, financial mechanisms, and the establishment of a governing body and subsidiary organs to end plastic pollution by 2040.

• The Chair's third non-paper is identified as missing several critical elements and obligations required by UNEA Resolution 5/14, including provisions on scope, chemicals and polymers of concern, micro- and nanoplastics, extended producer responsibility, and technology transfer.
• The proposed text for ARTICLE 14 NATIONAL PLANS in the Chair's non-paper is primarily voluntary, with the only exception being the obligation of the Secretariat to make these plans public.
• There is a proposed global ambition to end plastic pollution by 2040, utilizing a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic products.
• Proposed measures for managing the supply of primary plastic polymers include establishing global reduction targets, reporting on annual production, imports, and exports, and potentially implementing a global plastic pollution fee paid by polymer producers.
• The treaty considers the regulation of chemicals of concern in plastics, including the potential for a list of substances subject to prohibition or restriction, such as certain phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants.
• Proposed obligations for product design emphasize increasing durability, reusability, refillability, repairability, and recyclability to minimize environmental leakage and emissions of microplastics.
• The document outlines a 'just transition' framework that specifically prioritizes the rights and livelihoods of waste pickers and workers in the informal sector, including potential funding from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees.
• Proposed waste management provisions aim to prevent open dumping, ocean dumping, littering, and open burning of plastic waste, while promoting the use of the waste hierarchy.
• A proposed financial mechanism would provide new and additional resources, potentially including a dedicated multilateral fund, to support developing countries, least developed countries, and small island developing States.
• The proposed instrument includes a mechanism for the transboundary movement of plastic waste, requiring prior informed consent from the importing state and harmonized information disclosure.

APA

Rhee, C. S., & del Castillo, A. (2024). Streamlined Comparison of the Third Non-Paper and Compilation Draft Text of the Future Plastics Treaty. Center for International Environmental Law. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Streamlined-Comparison-of-the-Third-Non-Paper-and-Compilation-Draft-Text-of-the-Future-Plastics-Treaty.pdf

Chicago

Rhee, C. Semee, and Andrés del Castillo. Streamlined Comparison of the Third Non-Paper and Compilation Draft Text of the Future Plastics Treaty. Center for International Environmental Law, 2024. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Streamlined-Comparison-of-the-Third-Non-Paper-and-Compilation-Draft-Text-of-the-Future-Plastics-Treaty.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Rhee |first1=C. Semee |last2=del Castillo |first2=Andrés |title=Streamlined Comparison of the Third Non-Paper and Compilation Draft Text of the Future Plastics Treaty |publisher=Center for International Environmental Law |date=November 2024 |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Streamlined-Comparison-of-the-Third-Non-Paper-and-Compilation-Draft-Text-of-the-Future-Plastics-Treaty.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rhee2024streamlined, author = {Rhee, C. Semee and del Castillo, Andrés}, title = {{Streamlined Comparison of the Third Non-Paper and Compilation Draft Text of the Future Plastics Treaty}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2024}, month = nov, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Streamlined-Comparison-of-the-Third-Non-Paper-and-Compilation-Draft-Text-of-the-Future-Plastics-Treaty.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }