WRAP welcomes the publication of the Zero Draft ahead of Novembers’ INC-3 in Nairobi. The first official draft of this important agreement synthesises feedback from INC-2 in Paris in May and offers further refinement of the proposed treaty provisions as a formal instrument for negotiations in November.
Whilst this is a positive next step towards the crystallisation of a global agreement, it is of vital importance that the Treaty remains ambitious, and we urge member states to actively guard against attempts to water down its final mandate.
As the negotiations continue WRAP will work with partners in promoting a legally binding, high ambition Treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics. A comprehensive, circular economy approach based on the waste hierarchy and framed through the lens of SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. With elimination, prevention and reuse prioritised. Something which our model of public/private partnerships delivers.
The Plastics Pact model and other similar initiatives are showing how we can transform our broken plastics system. Our blueprint for action, adopted by nations around the world, is driving practical action to deliver a comprehensive circular economy for plastics. It is an approach that recognises local circumstances and capabilities. For this reason, these collaborative partnership models will play a key role as a mechanism for nations to meet mandated obligations under the final Treaty.
This is an exciting moment, but the hard work is necessary to ensure we realise the potential of a circular economy for plastics and improve the outcomes for people affected by plastic waste around the world.
Notes to Editor
Read our submission for INC-3 which focusses on elements not discussed at INC-2 including 'Scope' in which we detail how the final instrument should cover the whole life cycle of plastics - from raw material extraction through production and design to use, reuse, consumption and disposal. And 'Principles' where we consider key International Law principles that should underpin the future instrument to guide implementation.
https://resolutions.unep.org/resolutions/uploads/wrap_14082023_a.pdf