Calling on governments to deliver Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty

Dear South African Ministers and INC Negotiators,

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to develop a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution is set to meet again in Busan in the Republic of Korea on 25 November 2024 for what is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address plastic pollution at a global level.

As members of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, we represent a group of over 260 global businesses, financial institutions and NGOs, including several leading South African brands. As business leaders in South Africa, we’re calling on governments, including our own, to unite and deliver a treaty that is fit for purpose.

Following South Africa’s recent elections, the call for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability and waste management has gained new focus. With a clear mandate to protect our environment and support sustainable development, it is crucial for South Africa to seize this opportunity to align national policy with a global treaty, demonstrating leadership in tackling plastic pollution on the African continent.

We see an ambitious treaty with binding global rules as a chance to harmonise the policy landscape, strengthen national legislation, and help businesses scale proven solutions for priority sectors such as packaging. 

Read more: Plastic waste chokes Congo dam, causing widespread power cuts

For South Africa, this is not just a matter of environmental stewardship but also an economic imperative. With our rich biodiversity and growing waste management challenges, a robust treaty would help reduce long-term public spending on waste management and mobilise investments needed to create green jobs across the value chain.

A treaty based on voluntary measures alone risks delaying action by decades, in the face of plastic pollution in both terrestrial and marine environments, from Cape Town to Durban and beyond. This would create further fragmentation in the regulatory landscape for businesses, leading to increased cost and complexity for South African firms striving to compete on the global stage.

For business to implement an effective treaty, we need agreement at INC-5 on:

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   1. Global criteria and lists that enable the restriction and phase out of chemicals of concern as well as problematic and avoidable plastic products: South Africa has made strides in tackling problematic plastics through the implementation of the Plastic Bag Levy and the ban on certain microbeads. However, the phaseout of several other problematic and avoidable plastic products must be accelerated by aligning with agreed upon global criteria. Relevant industry actors along the plastics value chain can support this by sharing data, technical expertise, and assisting in setting criteria for alternatives. Recycling firms can advise on compatibility with local waste systems, ensuring replacements are feasible and recyclable.
   
   
   2. Sector-specific approaches and global criteria for circular product design for plastic products, such as packaging: South Africa’s burgeoning recycling industry and appetite for innovation has shown that circularity can work locally. We urge INC-5 to adopt criteria that incentivise the redesign of plastic products, with a view to ensuring they are reusable, recyclable or compostable within our national systems.
   
   
   3. Harmonised principles for the effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes: South Africa’s 2021 EPR Regulations for plastic packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and lighting are a critical step forward. We call for the treaty to establish principles that support the expansion and effective implementation of EPR, with producers taking responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products.
   
   
   4. Capacity building to support implementation: Adequate technical and financial resources are needed to build capacity within South African industries, local governments and communities to implement treaty obligations effectively.
   
   
   5. A strong mandate for the governing body to strengthen agreements over time: Considering the evolving nature of plastic production and waste management technologies, South Africa’s engagement in this process will ensure our national interests are represented, and local innovations in waste management and plastic alternatives are recognised.