La voie vers un traité sur la pollution (marine) par les plastiques

This policy analysis examines the development of a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution following UN Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14. It argues that for the treaty to be effective, it must address the overproduction of virgin plastics, the failures of the international waste trade (highlighting the impact of China's 2017 import ban), and the need for coordination between environmental goals and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade policies.

• In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted Resolution 5/14, which establishes an intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) to create a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution, including in marine environments.
• The perception of plastic pollution has evolved from being viewed primarily as a marine issue—addressable through beach clean-ups and ocean technologies—to being recognized as a terrestrial problem.
• Research from 2010 estimated that between 4.8 million and 12.7 million tonnes (Mt) of plastic entered the marine environment. A comprehensive study noted that since 1950, 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, with 6.3 billion tonnes existing as plastic waste.
• To be effective, a future treaty must address the full lifecycle of plastic by limiting or eliminating virgin plastic production, establishing a recycling industry for the 7 billion tonnes of existing waste, and creating a sustainable circular economy. Single-use plastics, particularly packaging, account for 85% of landfill waste.
• The international trade of plastic waste, often from wealthy to poorer nations, is a critical challenge. China was the primary destination until December 2017, when it banned plastic waste imports via its 'National Sword' policy, causing global trade disruption.
• In 2020, the primary sources of plastic waste and debris were Japan, the United States, and France, while the main net importers were Turkey, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
• The author argues that the treaty's success depends on integrating environmental and trade dimensions. Specifically, the World Trade Organization's Informal Dialogue on Plastic Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastic Trade (DIP), launched in 2020, should participate in the INC negotiations to prevent trade loopholes that lead to waste dumping.

APA

Kantai, T. (n.d.). La voie vers un traité sur la pollution (marine) par les plastiques. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/la-voie-vers-un-traite-sur-la-pollution-marine-par-les-plastiques

Chicago

Kantai, Tallash. La voie vers un traité sur la pollution (marine) par les plastiques. International Institute for Sustainable Development, n.d. https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/la-voie-vers-un-traite-sur-la-pollution-marine-par-les-plastiques.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kantai |first1=Tallash |title=La voie vers un traité sur la pollution (marine) par les plastiques |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |url=https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/la-voie-vers-un-traite-sur-la-pollution-marine-par-les-plastiques |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kantaindvoie, author = {Kantai, Tallash}, title = {{La voie vers un traité sur la pollution (marine) par les plastiques}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/la-voie-vers-un-traite-sur-la-pollution-marine-par-les-plastiques}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }