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Identification of Problematic chemicals and polymers in plastic
Project Type
Background Note
Date
Nov - Dec 2023
More details
To address the global challenge of plastic pollution, the United Nations Environment Assembly established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) with the mandate to develop an internationally legally binding instrument that tackles plastic pollution across its entire life cycle.
Since its inaugural session in 2022—which set the foundation for formal negotiations and the articulation of initial positions—the INC has advanced its work through subsequent meetings. The third meeting, INC-3, held in the Republic of Korea in 2023, developed the “zero draft” document introducing the basis for further negotiation.
The following background notes synthesize key insights from a series of webinars focused on four core thematic areas critical to the treaty negotiations, offering concise analyses to support informed dialogue and decision-making.
This note offers an examination of the toxic burden embedded in plastic highlighting how over 13, 000 associated chemicals - many hazardous and poorly regulated - pose growing threats to human health, ecosystems, and frontline communities. With scientific evidence linking plastic additives to endocrine disruption, cancer and ecological harm, the document lays out actionable policy pathways, including the development of a global plastic chemical inventory and mandatory disclosure systems. This notes provides insights into why identifying and phasing out problematic chemicals and polymers is not just a technical imperative—but a public health and environmental justice priority.