Plastic pollution is a monumental challenge requiring a united global response. In November 2024, negotiators are meeting for at INC-5, the fifth and final session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to forge a Global Plastics Treaty. This historic opportunity is a chance to confront plastic pollution at its root and protect human and environmental health. How can this be realised? Find out in our recommendations,
The Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, has published a 'Non-Paper' to act as a basis for discussions. This paper is the most feasible route forward for reaching an agreement within a reasonable timeline. However, it doesn't guarantee a high-impact treaty on plastic pollution. Read the details in our response to the paper.
World leaders are on their way to Busan, South Korea, for a historic negotiation: INC-5, the final round of negotiations for a UN treaty to end plastic pollution. What can we expect? How can a plastics treaty confront plastic pollution at its root, protect health, and preserve the environment? Read our blog to find out.
ECOS has embarked on a new project in East and West Africa to support a coherent framework of policies and standards to effectively address plastics pollution, including alternative solutions for material circularity, biodegradation, and compostability.
ECOS is looking for experts in the field of Ecodesign and Energy Labeling for Domestic cooking appliances to represent and defend environmental interests in the development of standards and related policies. Our experts provide us with technical and scientific input and represent ECOS in standardisation processes and multi-stakeholder discussions.
Over 130 civil society organisations express concern about participation in the Intersessional process of the Global Plastics We call for an open application process that allows accredited Observer organisations to register at least one representative for an in-person meeting, without the need for a letter of support from their governments. We also request for a hybrid solution to allow observer to follow the meetings from abroad.
Through our Africa Office, we are developing partnerships with key regional players in standardisation and policy in the African region. A new Memorandum of Understanding between ECOS and ARSO, the African Organisation for Standardisation, will facilitate our closer collaboration on standardisation activities and the promotion of the effective participation of environmental stakeholders in the development of standards in Africa.
Join us on 10 July (new date) for an insightful online session to discuss critical developments from the Plastics Treaty negotiations. We will look at outcomes from the last negotiations as well as next steps, the expectations for the upcoming negotiations, and the role of standards in implementing a treaty that reduces plastic pollution.
Cooking poverty is in the sights of world leaders following a high-level summit convened by the IEA on clean cooking in Africa. Addressing this challenge will help to protect people (primarily women and children) and the environment from the dangers of polluting and hazardous cooking methods while advancing the energy transition. Success will depend on strong partnerships, strategies, policies, and standards – which ECOS is ready to contribute to. If the world gets this right – and it must – it will directly improve the lives of 2.3 billion people.
Within the proposed text of the Global Plastics Treaty there are many calls to develop global voluntary standards. Standards are necessary to align and scale up technologies and systems that stem plastic pollution and manage our limited resources. Any standards created to implement the UN Global Plastic Treaty must include equitable participation from a wide range of impacted communities and sectors. Read our recommendations for how to achieve effective reference to standards in the Global Plastics Treaty.
ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
