SWANA Hosts Key Discussion Ahead of United Nations Plastic Treaty Negotiations

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) convened a critical dialogue at an event hosted on July 29 in Washington DC, in advance of the 6th round of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2). 

The INC-5.2 negotiations, taking place August 5–14 in Geneva, Switzerland, mark a pivotal moment in global efforts to develop a legally binding international instrument to address plastic pollution. The outcomes of the treaty may significantly shape future policies related to plastic production limits, extended producer responsibility (EPR), product design standards, financing mechanisms, and implementation frameworks. 

SWANA’s event focused on the role of holistic waste and resource management in preventing plastic pollution. This included a panel discussion, roundtable conversations, and time for networking. 

Moderated by Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of SWANA, the panel included Jeff Bezzo, Plastic Sustainability Leader, SC Johnson and Board Treasurer, Circular Action Alliance; Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, US Chamber of Commerce; and Ganesh Nagarajan, Senior Director of Plastics, WM. 

The discussion focused on actions to improve recycling systems, packaging design, commitments to use recycled content, the role of extended producer responsibility, and what success may look like. Panelists emphasized the need to reach a global agreement that will incentivize country commitments and investments.  

“It’s clear from this discussion that we are in agreement on the need for a global framework to drive ambition and support a circular economy,” shared Lestition Burke. “Bringing together stakeholders at forums like this is key for reaching collaborative solutions.” 

Following the panel discussion, attendees participated in roundtable discussions to share perspectives on the INC negotiations on how their respective organizations are engaging. Many different stakeholders participated in the conversations, with attendees from government agencies, US Congressional committees, non-profit organizations, producers, waste and resource management organizations, reporters, and others. The roundtable discussions delved into EPR implementation, what an international EPR framework would look like, and other aspects.  

The SWANA event underscores the importance of embedding practical, scalable solutions into the global treaty—ensuring that recycling systems, waste collection, and pollution prevention are central to the international response to plastic pollution.