Until August 14, Fundación Avina’s team is taking part in the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), a crucial space to reach an agreement on a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution.  

Fundación Avina emphasizes that the Global Plastics Treaty represents a historic opportunity to comprehensively address the social, environmental, and economic impacts of today’s linear model of plastic production and disposal.  

“As Fundación Avina, we call on countries to agree on an ambitious, people-centered treaty to end plastic pollution,” says Paula Pariz, from the Inclusive Circular Economy program.  

Hundreds of civil society organizations, grassroots recycler leaders —representing 40 million people worldwide— and business coalitions committed to a Just Transition and an Inclusive Circular Economy urge that the Treaty include legally binding commitments that recognize the strategic role of waste pickers in managing and mitigating plastic pollution. 

“Plastic circularity depends on our work, not just on industry. A successful treaty is one that tackles plastic pollution with justice, ambition, and without leaving anyone behind,” stresses Soledad Mella, from the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.  

We also urge the governments of the 184 countries currently negotiating not to lower their level of ambition, and to work towards a fair, binding treaty with clear targets that enable effective action against the plastic crisis.  

“It is essential to have harmonization and global criteria so that problematic products are gradually phased out, and design prioritizes the elimination of unnecessary plastics, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. Research shows that the more circular the plastic market is, the more resilient it becomes,” adds Pedro Prata, Senior Manager for Policy and Institutions in Latin America at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.  

Negotiations will continue until August 14, when the final text of the treaty is expected.