Page 22 - Plastics News Issue October 2025
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WEBINAR REPORT
LMG the conference influence the opinions of In-
♦ Entrenched disagreements on scope, defini- dian stakeholders?
tions, production caps, and dispute resolu- ♦ Answer (Dr. Vijay Habbu and Mr. Hiten
tion Bheda): No. Ministries collect inputs from
♦ Negotiations extended beyond 2024; next industry, NGOs, and internal intelligence be-
sessions (INC 6 or INC 5.3) yet to be deter- forehand. The Indian delegation presents a
mined well-informed, consolidated position at the
conference, ensuring national interests are
11. Questions and Expert Insights safeguarded while accommodating global
♦ Question: Which technology should be pri- negotiation dynamics.
oritised for recycling – chemical, chemical- 12. Conclusion
to-oil, or mechanical?
♦ While INC 5.2 stands adjourned without a
♦ Answer (Dr. Vijay Habbu and Mr. Hiten Bhe- formal conclusion, several key takeaways
da): Plastic pollution is a multi-faceted global emerged:
problem involving consumer behaviour, ad-
ministrative efficiency, product design, and ♦ A global, legally binding instrument to ad-
collection infrastructure. Solutions require dress plastic pollution seems inevitable.
combined efforts across all stakeholders. ♦ Indian industry should proactively integrate
Standardisation in packaging and product environmental compliance, sustainable de-
design can reduce waste and improve recy- sign, circularity, and scientific research into
clability. operations.
♦ Question: How will upstream drivers like fos- ♦ Effective waste management requires coor-
sil fuel subsidies and virgin plastic incentives dination between citizens, industry, and gov-
be addressed? ernment.
♦ Answer (Dr. Vijay Habbu and Mr. Hiten ♦ Financial institutions and brands will increas-
Bheda): High-ambition countries advocate ingly influence polymer production and sup-
addressing these upstream drivers, but solu- ply chain decisions.
tions are complex. Historical incentives en- ♦ India’s well-coordinated, data-driven ap-
couraged plastic production, and now a shift proach ensures national interests are rep-
requires careful remedial policies. Subsidies resented without being swayed by external
impact not only plastics but a wide range of negotiation pressures.
materials, and detailed discussions are re-
quired. The Indian delegation, including rep- ♦ The webinar emphasised that tackling plas-
resentatives from the Ministry of Finance, tic pollution is a collective global responsibil-
ensured India’s position was articulated ef- ity, and preparation at the industry level will
fectively during INC 5.2. be critical for compliance and sustainable
growth.
♦ Question: Do negotiation contingencies at
22 PLASTICS NEWS October 2025
