Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations: Key Insights and Advocacy Updates

Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations: Key Insights and Advocacy Updates
At the fifth and final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) of the UN Plastics Treaty, which took place in Busan, South Korea, from November 24 to December 1, 2024, Deborah Sy and Laura Salgado from the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) attended as observers representing the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance (STPA) members HealthJustice and African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA). They resumed on-site technical assistance and coordination efforts  to support STPA members and engaged in focused advocacy with delegates. They called for for an immediate ban on toxic cigarette filters and for the alignment with health treaties, particularly World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(WHO FCTC), to ensure that environmental policies are protected from tobacco industry interference and to safeguard public health.
By Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control
Progress on Plastic Pollution Policy
There was ultimately no agreed treaty text, however but it became apparent that over 100 member states coalesced to have a robust and ambitious treaty covering bans on chemicals of concern and plastic products, while a minority of Arab countries opposed this.
If the treaty includes bans on plastic products, this would allow for the possibility that the cigarette filters would find themselves on top of the list since it is the most egregious form of plastic product; due to its toxic nature and high probability of littering ---which are among the identified criteria for determining if a plastic is problematic and avoidable.
The INC agreed to use the Chair’s Text dated December 01 (Chair’s Text) as a starting point for negotiations when sessions resume at what is dubbed INC- 5.2.
In the Chair’s text “cigarette filters made of plastic” is listed in an annex of products (Annex X)​[1]​ where “appropriate” measures taken on it will be reported to and evaluated by a review committee that is authorized to provide recommendations to the Conference of the Parties (COP) on possible guidance, guideline, or possible inclusion in the phaseout list, subject to COP procedures.​[2]​ Cigarette filters are not in a global phase out list (Annex Y) for certain forms of plastics that include bags, cutlery, toys, cotton buds, etc. that indicates phaseout dates as 203X.​[3]​
While the inclusion of cigarette filter is a crucial step in addressing toxic plastic waste, the reference to ‘made with plastic’​[4]​ is a problematic element as it gives the impression that non-plastic filters are endorsed. Furthermore, “appropriate” measures to which it is subject to may or may not include a ban, contrary to STPAs advocacy for an immediate ban on filters.
Although the draft also proposes a phase-out list, it takes effect 2030 or later, this timeline is not a sufficient measure to address the most deplorable form of single use plastic as this would allow much time for the tobacco industry to promote substitutes and alternative policies, justifying further engagement with environment officials during the phaseout period.
On matters dealing with product design​,[5]​ emissions, waste management and existing plastic pollution, a pathway to alignment with the WHO FCTC can be established if the WHO or the Convention offers clear and sufficient guidance ensuring its relevance to the issue at hand. 
Notably, the restrictions outlined in the text can be interpreted in conjunction with the preambular clause stating that Parties may adopt more stringent measures in alignment with their existing international obligations. This provision suggests that Parties can ban filters or prohibit tobacco-related Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), consistent with the FCTC.
INC also agreed that nothing is agreed until everything is finally agreed, hence all of the text discussed herein are subject to change. Nevertheless, it reflects to some extent the common ground reached by many Parties.
Aligning Health with Environmental Goals
A primary concern during the negotiations in addition to the filters ban was the alignment of public health and environmental priorities. We stressed the importance of safeguarding the treaty from tobacco industry interference and ensuring that its provisions on plastic pollution do not conflict with or dilute existing public health frameworks—particularly those outlined in the WHO FCTC.
On behalf of the alliance, we advocated for the following critical points:
Tobacco Industry Exclusion: Advocates on the ground actively promoted the COP10 Decision  with negotiators, as it formed a crucial component of the STPA's INC-5 brief, reminding delegates that any involvement of the tobacco industry in plastic pollution solutions, particularly under the guise of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will undermine environmental goals. The tobacco industry must not be allowed to profit from or influence environmental policies while continuing to harm public health.
Filter Ban: We urged for an immediate ban on all cigarette filters, given that they have no proven health benefits and increases health risks. Moreover, all types of cigarette filters must be included in this ban. The inclusion of only cigarette filters “with plastics” risks endorsing or approving biodegradable and other substitute filters.
GGTC Advocacy in Action 
Despite being locked out for two days of negotiations,+ we remained steadfast in our advocacy and used the time to expand our network and engage in the following activities: 
Coordinated and uploaded STPA's  Opening and Closing​ Statements to emphasize the need to implement the WHO FCTC to address cigarette filters and highlighted the importance of aligning with international health agreements to prevent the treaty from becoming a tool for tobacco industry exploitation.
Circulated a timely Opinion Piece by former head of FCTC Secretariat, Vera  da Costa e Silva, and GGTC's Deborah Sy ​to highlight that the treaty's success relies on avoiding conflicts of interest. This begins with adhering to FCTC rules for the tobacco industry and committing to address sector-specific rules for other industries.
Participated at a GGTC co-hosted a side event, Towards an Accountable Plastics Treaty  - Norms and Practices to Advance Justice and Prevent Conflicts of Interest, where GGTC's Laura Salgado presented the unique case of the tobacco sector where FCTC Article 5.3 guidelines helped prevent tobacco industry interference to protect public health policies.
Assisted Global Youth Voices (GYV) in reiterating and disseminating its message to immediately ban cigarette filters and vapes, and make the tobacco industry pay for harms to both environmental and human health.  
Screened the participants for tobacco industry links, and on behalf of STPA, contributed a quote for  Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)'s report on Fossil Fuel and Chemical Industry lobbyists.
Disseminated the results of a survey by Geoffrey T. Fong and Shannon Gravely which revealed that 78% of the INC-5 believed incorrectly that the removal of filters will make cigarettes more harmful.
Customized and disseminated key STPA messages and proposed language to delegate across four contact groups, underscoring the COP10 decision.
Next Steps: A Unified Path Forward 
While the treaty’s framework lays a strong foundation, much work remains. In the coming months, alliance members, both from the environmental and health sectors, will collaborate closely with governments, NGOs, and international bodies to ensure the final agreement incorporates the necessary health safeguards and aligns fully with global health standards.
The tobacco industry's pervasive presence and influence in this space must be recognized and addressed to ensure a truly effective treaty that protects public health and the environment. The STPA will continue to advocate for an immediate ban on toxic cigarette filters and to ensure the alignment of the treaty with health treaties, particularly the WHO FCTC. By working together, we can create a future free from plastic pollution and the harmful impacts of the tobacco industry.
To know more about the Text and its impact on tobacco control, request access to a detailed analysis here.