GO!PHA position on UN Treaty on Plastics ahead of INC-5

Position and Recommendations for INC-5 on the Global Plastics Treaty

GO!PHA outlines key priorities to strengthen the Global Plastics Treaty, focusing on addressing the root cause of plastic pollution: the continued reliance on fossil-based plastics and harmful substances. The position emphasizes upstream solutions, including reduction, reuse, and the adoption of safe, renewable, and biodegradable material alternatives.

Central recommendations include strengthening measures on microplastics to better protect human health and ecosystems, establishing a dedicated scientific panel to guide policy with evidence-based insights, and ensuring a clear distinction between sustainable substitutes and conventional plastics.

The paper also calls for harmonized, science-based criteria to assess materials based on origin, functionality, environmental impact, and safety, alongside policy frameworks that enable innovation rather than hinder it.

Overall, the position highlights the need for a science-driven, globally aligned approach that supports material innovation, ensures a level playing field, and accelerates the transition toward safer and more sustainable material systems.