Recently, the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution opened in Busan, South Korea, marking an important step forward in global efforts to address plastic pollution. The meeting, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, aims to develop a legally binding global instrument covering both terrestrial and marine environments. More than 170 countries and over 600 observer organizations registered to participate in this week-long meeting. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called via video for representatives to achieve the goal of zero plastic pollution for future generations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the meeting, emphasizing the need for an "ambitious, credible, and equitable" treaty to address issues throughout the plastic lifecycle, including single-use and short-term plastics, waste management, and measures to phase out plastics and promote alternative materials.

At the same time, a recent progress report on the Global Commitment to New Plastics Economy was also released. This commitment was jointly initiated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the United Nations Environment Programme in 2018, aiming to tackle plastic pollution at its source through the concept of a circular economy. The report shows that in 2023, the total amount of virgin plastic and plastic usage by signatory companies decreased year-on-year, mainly due to companies adopting more post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins and economic factors leading to a decline in overall consumption demand. However, despite some progress, the report also points out that significant improvements in infrastructure or major adjustments in packaging combinations are still needed to achieve the goal of 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging.

In terms of widespread application of plastics, plastic products play an important role in industries such as packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, medical, and textiles. However, with the increasing global awareness of environmental protection, issues related to the disposal and recycling of plastic waste have become increasingly prominent. The recycling and utilization of waste plastics are of great significance for environmental protection, resource recycling and regeneration, and energy conservation. Therefore, strengthening plastic pollution governance and promoting sustainable development of plastics has become a global consensus.