UPSC Relevance
- GS-2: Environmental treaties, India’s foreign policy, multilateralism
- GS-3: Pollution, Waste Management, SDGs, Sustainable Production
- Essay: “Plastics: Convenience at a Cost”, “Balancing Environment and Growth”
Why in News
Negotiations resumed in Geneva at the second session of the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), where 190+ countries are working to finalise the Global Plastics Treaty—a legally binding framework to curb plastic pollution by regulating its entire lifecycle, from production to disposal.
This follows a deadlock in Busan (December 2024) due to key differences over plastic production caps, chemical bans, decision-making methods, and equity concerns raised by countries like India.
Timeline of Treaty Negotiations
| Session | Location | Date |
| INC-1 | Uruguay | Nov 2022 |
| INC-2 | France | June 2023 |
| INC-3 | Kenya | Nov 2023 |
| INC-4 | Canada | April 2024 |
| INC-5 | South Korea (Busan) | Dec 2024 |
| INC-5.2 | Switzerland (Geneva) | Aug 2025 |
Initiated by UNEA Resolution 5/14 (Nairobi, 2022)
What is the Global Plastics Treaty?
The Global Plastics Treaty, under the United Nations Environment Assembly, seeks to:
- Reduce production of virgin plastic polymers
- Regulate the entire lifecycle of plastics
- Ban open dumping and burning of plastic waste
- Phase out toxic chemicals like DEHP, DIBP, BBP
- Promote recycling, reuse, and sustainable alternatives
- Create binding targets and common global standards
Why the World Needs a Global Treaty on Plastics
The Scale of the Problem
- Global production:
- 234 million tonnes (2000) → 460 million tonnes (2019)
- Could reach 700 million tonnes by 2040
- Recycling rate: only 9–10%
- 60% of global plastic waste comes from India, China, US, and Brazil (EA Earth Action)
Environmental Impact
- 8 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans annually
- Plastics persist for 20–500 years, choking ecosystems
Health Risks
- Microplastics found in blood, lungs, and placenta
- Linked to hormonal disruptions, cancer, infertility, neurodevelopmental issues
Economic Cost
- Losses to tourism, fisheries, cleanup = $600 billion/year
- Lancet Report (2025): $1.5 trillion/year in health-related costs
Climate Connection
- Plastic contributes 3.6% of global GHGs
- Could rise 37% to 3.35 Gt CO₂e by 2050
India’s Position in Global Treaty Talks
India supports tackling plastic pollution but has cautioned against binding provisions that may hurt its developmental goals.
Key Demands by India
- Rejects binding caps on plastic production
- Treaty must consider availability, accessibility, and affordability of alternatives
- Advocates “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR-RC)
- Calls for tech transfer, multilateral funds, and longer timelines
Concerns Raised
- Warns against eco-protectionist trade barriers
- Opposes rigid deadlines due to concerns over MSME impact, infrastructure gaps, and social transition costs
On Decision-Making: Vote vs Consensus
- India and others favour consensus-based negotiations, where every country has veto power
- Others seek a voting-based model to prevent deadlocks
Result: Disagreement on procedure is slowing down adoption of treaty provisions.
India’s Domestic Measures to Combat Plastic Pollution
- Key Laws & Rules
- Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- Ban on 19 single-use items
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandated
- Standards for biodegradable plastics, penalties for non-compliance
- Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- Flagship Initiatives
- India Plastics Pact, Un-Plastic Collective
- Project REPLAN (plastic in handmade paper)
- GoLitter Partnerships Project (urban litter control)
- Jute Packaging Act (2010): Promotes natural packaging
- Shortcomings & Loopholes
- Ban excludes <200ml bottles, multi-layer packaging (e.g. milk cartons)
- Enforcement varies across states and cities
Mere rules aren’t enough—infrastructure, awareness, and monitoring must match.
Challenges Hindering Global Consensus
| Issue | Details |
| Production Limits | Strong resistance from India, China, Saudi Arabia |
| Chemical Regulations | Disagreements on timelines and scope of bans |
| Voting vs Consensus Mechanism | Veto-based consensus slows progress, but avoids alienating nations |
| Implementation Burden | Developing countries lack capacity for enforcement |
| Trade Implications | Fear of disguised protectionism and non-tariff barriers |
| Affordability of Alternatives | India stresses need for low-cost substitutes before bans |
Global Plastics Treaty: The Way Ahead
- Shift to Circular Economy
- Focus on eco-design, reuse, material substitution
- Support affected sectors (packaging, retail) with just transitions
- Inclusion and Equity
- Balance North-South responsibilities
- Avoid “one size fits all” approach
- Adopt phased targets for different economies
- Financing & Technology Support
- Establish global plastic transition fund
- Ensure R&D support, access to patents, and capacity-building
- Public and Civil Society Engagement
- Civil society must hold negotiators accountable
- Encourage behaviour change through awareness and education
- Beyond the Treaty: Investment Is Key
- “A treaty alone cannot stop plastic pollution unless backed by investment in affordable alternatives, scalable waste management infrastructure, and political will.”
India & Global Plastic Statistics: UPSC-Ready Box
| Metric | Value |
| Global Waste by 4 countries | India, US, China, Brazil = 60% |
| India’s annual plastic waste | 9.3 million tonnes |
| Mismanaged plastic in India | 3.5 million tonnes |
| Recycled waste globally | Only 9–10% |
| Plastic-linked GHG emissions | 3.6% of total |
Previous Year Question
Q1 In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Ans: (c)
Q2. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Ans: (a)
UPSC Practice Question
Prelims Practice Questions
Q. With reference to the ongoing negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty, consider the following statements:
The Global Plastics Treaty is being negotiated under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Assembly.
One of the key contentious issues is the imposition of uniform plastic production caps applicable to all countries regardless of their development status.
The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) has been formally rejected by most developing nations during treaty negotiations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Mains Practice Question
Q. The success of the Global Plastics Treaty depends not just on international consensus but also on domestic readiness and equitable implementation. Examine this statement in light of India’s position, preparedness, and priorities. (15 Marks, 250 Words)