Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations: Implications for ASEAN

In light of the conclusion from the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.1) and a side event organised by ERIA and IGES in Busan, South Korea, in December 2024, experts deliberated on the outcomes and their implications for ASEAN. Dr Yasuhiko Hotta, Programme Director at IGES, provided a detailed analysis of the negotiations, highlighting the challenges of reaching consensus on key issues such as upstream production controls and chemical regulations.

Experts agreed on the need for ASEAN to present a unified voice in future INC sessions, particularly regarding EPR and waste management. They also explored the potential establishment of a scientific advisory body to support treaty negotiations and policymaking, given the limited focus on scientific discussions during the INC sessions. In response, ERIA and IGES proposed the establishment an Expert Working Group on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within the Regional Knowledge Centre.