Plastic pollution is now recognised as a critical global challenge, with significant implications for the furniture industry, supply chains, and sustainability efforts. For the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC), these developments highlight the importance of proactively engaging with global policy changes to support a more circular, transparent, and responsible industry. as a critical global challenge, with significant implications for the furniture industry, supply chains, and sustainability efforts.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) set up the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to create a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, targeting the entire plastic lifecycle—from production to disposal. The treaty aims to be finalised by the end of 2024, with negotiations ongoing and the final text expected to be approved soon.
Why this matters for the furniture industry:
The treaty will likely drive new international standards, regulations, and market expectations related to plastic use, waste management, circular design, and sustainable materials—areas directly relevant to our sector.
Latest Developments:
- While the INC process initially aimed to conclude negotiations by the end of 2024, the INC-5.1 session in Busan did not result in a final agreement. Talks have since resumed at INC-5.2, and are currently taking place from the 5–14 August 2025 in Geneva.
- The recently published “Chair’s Text” from INC-5.1 will form the basis for ongoing negotiations. This document outlines proposed measures and priorities for addressing plastic pollution globally.
Changing Systems, Not Treating Symptoms: A Turning Point for Plastics
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in its 5 August 2025 article titled “Changing Systems, Not Treating Symptoms“, calls this moment a potentially historic one in our fight against plastic pollution. As governments gather in Geneva for INC5.2 to negotiate the Global Plastics Treaty, the Foundation reminds us that plastic pollution is not merely a waste management issue—it’s a broken system.
The Foundation has long advocated that we cannot simply recycle or reduce our way out of this crisis. Instead, it emphasises tackling root causes through systemic change. Back in 2016, the Foundation’s call to action ignited global awareness around the need to rethink the plastics economy. By 2018, it had aligned businesses, governments, NGOs, and investors through its Global Commitment, now representing 20% of the plastic packaging market.
This model of collective vision, systems thinking, and collaborative problem-solving has shown that change is possible—but voluntary efforts alone are not enough. The Foundation now urges governments to act boldly. A strong treaty, they argue, must include global rules covering the entire lifecycle of plastics, establish design criteria, phase out problematic products and chemicals of concern, and ensure adequate infrastructure to prevent waste and pollution.
As the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty grows, now including more than 300 organisations, the Foundation stresses that a binding agreement can unlock economies of scale, spark innovation, and reduce waste costs. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive the transition to a circular economy.
“The time for small fixes is over. System change is no longer an idea – it’s the only path forward.” – Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Strategic opportunities for AFA & AFISC members:
- Stay Informed: Review key INC documents, including the Chair’s Text, to anticipate regulatory and market shifts.
- Engage Directly: Members can apply for accreditation to participate in upcoming negotiations, providing industry perspectives and influencing outcomes.
- Align Strategically: Incorporate UNEP’s goals and Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s principles, such as circular design, waste reduction, and legacy waste management, into your sustainability strategies to position your organisation ahead of regulatory curves.
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) encourage members to actively engage with these developments to ensure our industry remains at the forefront of sustainability and circular economy practices. For further information, resources, or to get involved, please visit www.theafa.asn.au and www.afisc.eco or contact us at care@theafa.asn.au or care@afisc.com.au.