CBCGDF Reduce and Pick up Plastics Working Group Statement to the INC-5

Since 2020, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation(CBCGDF) Reduce and Pick up Plastics Working Group has actively participated in the negotiation process of the global plastic pollution treaty, including participating in the pre-consultation process for the formulation of the world's first plastic treaty, and joined the Nairobi Group Friends to Combat of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution. CBCGDF Reduce and Pick up Plastics Working Group is committed to plastic pollution control, and during the 2022 United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), put forward a number of recommendations on plastic pollution prevention and control and agricultural biodiversity protection, and submitted 16 recommendations on plastic pollution negotiations to the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP).

Before the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine invironment ( INC-5) , to be held from 25 November to 1 December 2024, in Busan, South Korea, CBCGDF Reduce and Pick up Plastics Working Group put forward the following statement of views:

CBCGDF advocates the inclusion of microplastics as new pollutants in the drinking water quality monitoring indicators of various countries, and promotes the reduction of the amount of disposable packaging waste of take-out food. In addition, CBCGDF also provide scientific advice for China's decision-making, including proposing five amendments to the "Solid Waste Classification Catalog (Draft for Comments)" in July 2022, suggesting that soil biodiversity be used as the primary indicator for national soil investigations, conducting rural plastic pollution investigations, emphasizing the solution of agricultural waste problems such as rice seedlings, and calling for consideration of nature-based solutions when formulating standards for agricultural waste treatment and resource utilization projects.

In response to the upcoming INC-5 to be held in Busan, South Korea, CBCGDF Reduce and Pick up Plastics Working Group's suggestions are as follows:

1. To establish a global monitoring platform for wildlife deaths caused by plastic pollution

Every year, the number of wildlife deaths caused by marine plastic pollution continues to increase, and this trend urgently needs to attract global attention. To this end, it is recommended to establish a global database to systematically collect and analyze wildlife death data related to marine plastic pollution. This database will help scientific research, policy making and public education, and enhance understanding of the health of marine ecosystems. The future plastic pollution tready should strengthen cooperation with relevant conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to promote data sharing and cross-border joint actions. By integrating resources and information from all parties, establishing such an effective global database can not only monitor and evaluate the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife, but also provide a scientific basis for the formulation of practical protection measures, and ultimately achieve a clean marine ecosystem.

2. To pay attention to the disposable plastic pollution caused by takeout

The current draft has not yet recognized the problem of disposable pollution caused by the takeout industry. It is recommended that the plastic treaty should strengthen synergy with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions to comprehensively address the impact of plastic pollution on health and the environment. This cross-institutional cooperation should include advocating healthy eating habits while paying attention to the disposable pollution caused by the takeout industry. Through cooperation with FAO, sustainable food production and packaging practices can be promoted, renewable and degradable materials can be encouraged, and the use of plastic packaging can be reduced. Cooperation with WHO can emphasize the potential threat of plastic pollution to public health and enhance the society's attention to environmental protection and healthy diet. Through such multi-party collaboration, not only can plastic pollution be effectively reduced, but also the goals of public health and sustainable development can be promoted, and a more comprehensive governance effect can be achieved.

3. To develop plastic substitutes

Developing plastic substitutes is one of the effective ways to solve the problem of plastic pollution. As a new type of environmentally friendly material, bio-based materials are made from renewable biomass, which can be continuously obtained from nature, thus reducing dependence on limited fossil resources. The production process of bio-based materials usually produces less greenhouse gases and less pollution to the environment. In addition, many bio-based materials are biodegradable and can be decomposed in the natural environment, reducing the long-term impact on the environment. In terms of replacing traditional petroleum-based plastics and chemical fiber materials, the use of straw cellulose biomaterials can not only ensure food security, but also meet the requirements of environmental protection, non-toxicity and degradability, and should be used first. Therefore, Green Association calls for clear mention and explanation of bio-based materials in the draft of "INC-5" to enhance the global attention to bio-based materials and promote their development and use.

Specific modification suggestions: Add one item under the content of "Alternative Plastics and Plastic Products" on page 26: Each Party should accelerate the replacement of degradable bio-materials while reducing disposable plastic packaging products that inevitably leak into the natural environment, and give priority to the use of renewable resources as raw materials to manufacture degradable bio-based products. Each Party shall establish a timetable and specific goals for promoting the use of alternative plastics, formulate relevant laws and policies and regulations to encourage and support the use of bio-based materials to replace plastics, urge them to accelerate their implementation, and report the progress of plastic substitution to UNEP every year.

4. It is recommended to consider encouraging the establishment of an International Bio-based Materials Council

It is recommended to encourage the establishment of an International Bio-based Materials Council to bring together leading companies, research institutions and relevant stakeholders in the field of global bio-based materials to jointly explore the future development of bio-based materials, promote cooperation and exchanges, promote policy formulation, and actively participate in global plastic pollution prevention and control through technological innovation and industrial application.

5. It is recommended to modify the draft statement

In terms of the draft statement, it is recommended to change the guiding text to a definite requirement. The use of the expression "effort" in many places in the document will reduce the binding force of the document. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the relevant wording in the entire document and change "encourage" to "ensure" or "make sure". For example, the first paragraph of Option 2 on page 18, the first article of Option 2 on page 18, and the first and third articles of Option 1 on page 26.

6. To add specific targets for substitution

Reason for modification: The current draft does not set a timetable. In view of the seriousness of microplastics and plastic pollution, it is recommended to set a clear timetable. At the same time, the total global consumption of chemical fibers (mainly PET) has reached 100 million tons/year, and a large amount of microplastics will also be generated when recycled or discarded, so it should be included in the catalog of substitution targets.

7. To consider the particularity of marine plastic pollution

In view of the unique characteristics and governance difficulties of plastic pollution in the ocean, CBCGDF recommends setting up a special section in the draft text to discuss marine plastic pollution in detail, including its definition, classification, division of responsibilities, source governance, and scientific response methods and initiatives advocated.

8. It is imperative to formulate a sustainable procurement policy

Formulating a sustainable procurement policy is one of the important measures to promote the governance of plastic pollution. Governments and companies should give priority to renewable and degradable materials and clarify environmental standards in procurement to reduce dependence on disposable plastics and other unsustainable materials. This policy will not only promote the establishment of a green supply chain, but also encourage manufacturers to switch to more environmentally friendly production methods, thereby promoting market demand for sustainable products. In addition, transparent procurement processes and clear environmental requirements will help improve corporate social responsibility awareness and promote joint efforts by all parties to achieve plastic reduction goals. It is recommended that the draft text clearly require all parties to promote the overall social transformation to sustainable development through the implementation of sustainable procurement policies.

China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation Reduce and Pick up Plastics Working Group

October 28, 2024

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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