As I sat in the negotiation hall at INC-5 in Busan, South Korea, frustration swirled in the air. Watching the proceedings unfold was like observing a play where the most critical acts happened behind closed doors. The public sessions were rife with posturing and circular debates, but the real work, the decisions that will shape our planet's future, were happening out of sight. Still, as the session ended, I couldn't shake a sense of cautious optimism. What stood out most during those intense days was an impassioned speech by the delegate from Panama, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez. His words reverberated through the hall: "This is not a drill, this is a fight for survival." He reminded us all that postponing negotiations will not postpone the crisis. It was a call to action that reignited my resolve.
At this stage, the Treaty has bones. Delegates from over 170 countries have outlined the structure: reducing virgin plastic production, promoting circular economy principles, and harmonising global regulations. These are significant milestones. The challenge now is to flesh out these bones and craft a Treaty that is not only ambitious but enforceable.
The urgency to act is undeniable. Plastic pollution is not just an environmental crisis, it is a systemic threat to human health, biodiversity, and global business. For those of us in the private sector, the lack of cohesive international regulation creates chaos.
Companies committed to sustainable practices find themselves at a disadvantage, navigating a splintered legislative landscape while competing against entities operating under weaker standards. A robust Treaty would level the playing field, providing clarity and predictability for businesses striving to innovate responsibly.
The primary hurdle remains the 'spoiler' countries—nations with vested interests in preserving the status quo. These are often countries heavily reliant on petrochemical industries, which see plastics as a growth frontier in a decarbonising world. Overcoming this resistance will require more than just pressure, it will demand ingenuity and incentives. Offering financial aid, technology-sharing agreements, and support for industrial transitions can help align their interests with the Treaty’s goals. Behind the scenes, I saw glimpses of this strategy taking shape. Conversations in corridors and side meetings revealed a growing willingness amongst many countries to forge ahead, even if it means leaving the spoilers behind for now. The majority must lead by example, demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of ambitious action.
The words of Panama’s delegate stayed with me long after the sessions closed: "The world cannot afford our hesitation any longer." His rallying cry should resonate with everyone — governments, businesses, and individuals alike. The solutions exist. Public-private partnerships, such as the End Plastic Pollution Innovation Collective (EPPIC), showcase what is possible when sectors collaborate. Scaling these efforts, prioritising circularity, and turning off the tap of unsustainable plastic demand are the steps we must take.
To my fellow business leaders: we hold immense power as buyers and influencers of supply chains. Use that power. Advocate to your governments. Push your suppliers. Show the world that the private sector is ready to lead where others falter.
INC-5 was not the end. It was a step—perhaps a half step—forward. As we wait to find out when and where the sequel to INC 5 will take place, the last thing we want is any spoilers! We want to ensure that when the curtain falls, we have a Treaty worthy of the challenge.
The EPPIC Business Development program is working with cross-sector stakeholders to establish Reuse infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America. Searious Business is releasing the executive summary of its series of reports on the barriers and levers to reuse systems, as well as the selection criteria for prioritising applications. Access the report here.