Japan Statement, 23 April 2024
under agenda item 4
The Fourth session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee todevelop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution,
including in the marine environment
Chair,
Japan expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Canada
for kindly hosting the Fourth session of INC here in Ottawa.
We support the statements made by Palestine on behalf of the Asia
Pacific Group, and Malawi on behalf of HAC.
Japan appreciates continuous tireless efforts by the Chair and theSecretariat on your diligent preparation for the INC4. We very muchappreciate the Chair’s leadership so that we can streamline further therevised draft text in this round of negotiations.
We would like to highlight here the following four necessary points
for the plastic treaty.
First, the instrument should have a clear time-bound target in its
objective so that all countries are encouraged to implement coordinatedactions to attain the target and further scale up their efforts to end plastic
pollution. For this reason, we reiterate that a clear milestone to reduce
additional plastic pollution to zero by 2040 and further efforts thereafter
should be stipulated in the text.
Second, we stress the need to have overarching obligations prior toindividual control measures. They are fundamental obligations which
require each party to establish a plastic circularity mechanism in society
with its integrated and holistic national policies, and to implement
necessary efforts throughout the plastic lifecycle from upstream todownstream in order to promote plastic circularity and prevent the plastic
leakage into the environment.
The effective measures should also be listed in the Annex , whether
they are mandatory or voluntary, so that they are reflected in the National

Action Plans on which a clear policy roadmap will include those listed
measures. We attach an explanatory note on the overarching provisions tothis statement.
Third, regarding individual control measures, effective measures
are needed to further prevent plastic pollution. Not by setting a universal
limit on production of plastics, but by making ambitious efforts for
reducing single-use plastics, promoting environmentally-friendly productdesign to generate changes in demand and people’s behaviour, andenhancing reuse, recycling and sound waste management, we believe thatsuch various efforts will significantly contribute to the reduction in volumeof plastic use and promote a sustainable production and consumption ofplastics.
Fourth, for means of implementation, financial support should be
provided to countries most in need and for measures that are most effective
and cost-efficient to prevent emission and release of plastics, which are
well-planned in advance within local communities and coordinated with
regional, subregional or national arrangement. In particular, establishing abasic waste management system at the local level is essential, which could
also work for other types of wastes and lead to sustainable industrialization
by reuse, recycling or use of alternative materials to induce private sector’s
investment. On this point, we also include in this statement an explanatory
note on our proposal for financial assistance.
At this juncture of our negotiation, time is of the essence. It is
crucial for us to make further progress in our substantial discussions
through INC4 and intersessional work until INC5 in order to finish ourwork by the end of this year. With this sense of urgency in mind, Japan
would not spare our efforts to contribute to the discussions further
constructively during this INC4 session.
Thank you.

(Attachments follow this page.)(Attachment 1)
Explanatory note by Japan; Overarching obligations
13 bis. Overarching provision related to Part II
1.

Parties shall establish an effective mechanism in society to promote plastic

circularity and prevent the leakage of plastics into environment through a whole-of-society
approach by adopting integrated and holistic national policies.
2.

Parties shall take the necessary measures at all stages of plastic lifecycle, such as

the production, distribution, sale, consumption, waste management and disposal, to promoteplastic circularity and prevent the leakage of plastics into the environment and strengthen themeasures over time towards achieving the objective of this instrument.
3.

In relation to the previous paragraph, Parties shall take the effective measures at

each stage of plastic lifecycle listed in Annex X.1 The mandatory and voluntary measureslisted in annex X shall be reflected accordingly in the national action plan. The governing
body* can review the annex as necessary.
-

These overarching provisions are basic cross-cutting clauses under which individual
obligations clauses are aligned, whereas measures under each individual obligation are
put in place, whether mandatory or not (following the results of negotiation). They function
as foundational clauses to which all respective obligations are closely attached.

-

What policies each party should take depends on national circumstances of plastic
pollution. Each country should tackle the problem through policy mix which areconsidered to be appropriate. The priority of policies and extent of countermeasures
should be decided by each party, taking into account its policy strength and weakness.

-Thus, it is important to have a clear common objective, including a time-bound target that
all members can share to tackle plastic pollution (See page 3). To attain the concretetarget, each member should show a clear policy roadmap and it should be well reflected
in its NAPs, which assures parties’ actions in a concerted manner.

1. Paragraph 1-

This paragraph provides an obligation for each party to establish a plastic circularity
mechanism2 in society that will prevent the leakage of plastic into the environment.

-

It requires a whole-of-society approach covering all stages of plastic lifecycle by engaging
stakeholders such as manufacturers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and waste

1

See the proposed text of annex X at p. 70.

2This mechanism is established by each country through national strategy, or plan.

management sectors. In order to realize plastic circularity through a whole-of-society
approach, it is necessary to establish an effective national system or social mechanism
by adopting national policies such as national laws, guidelines or strategies in an
integrated and holistic way.
-

By promoting plastic circularity, it contributes to creating circular economy and realizing
resource efficiency, referred in 3(b) of the UNEA resolution.

-

We need to stipulate this basic provision to promote plastic circularity and prevent theleakage of plastics into the environment in each county, according to national
circumstances.

2. Paragraph 2-

Under UNEA resolution 5/14, we are committed to tackle plastic pollution covering all
lifecycle of plastic. There is a need to clarify necessary measures taken at each stage ofplastic lifecycle.

-

Therefore, this paragraph obliges each party to take necessary measures covering fulllifecycle of plastics by categorizing upstream, middle-stream, and downstream sectors(more specifically, production, distribution, sales, consumption, and waste management
sectors) to promote plastic circularity and prevent the leakage.

-

It also requires strengthening measures over time to achieve the objective of the
instrument.

3. Paragraph 3-

Concrete effective measures at each lifecycle stage should be listed and visualized sothat they are appropriately reflected in NAPs.

-

Listed measures in Annex X will include the ones provided for in individual obligations as
the result of negotiation. Regardless of the individual obligations, other measuresconsidered to be effective will be also included in Annex X.

-

It can help each country make reference to the listed measures when it considers thecontent of NAPs and it can give Parties a right direction of their policies to cope withplastic pollution.

-

The list of the effective measures in Annex should be updated by COP according totechnical development and technological innovations. (Next section follows this page.)2.

Objective

Option 1
1.

The objective of this instrument* is to end plastic pollution, including in the marine

environment [and other aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems], [based on acomprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic] [through the prevention,
progressive reduction and elimination of [additional] plastic pollution] [by 2040] [andenhanced efforts thereafter], [in order] to protect human health and the environment [from its
adverse effects] [and to achieve sustainable development].
-

We heard some delegations’ view that a time bound target should not be in theobjective so far. However, without a clear direction towards a common ambition for2040, there will be no alignment of each country's efforts to prevent plastic pollution,and this will undermine the collective effort by each country.

-

By sharing a common ambition for 2040, it will be possible for each country to takeconcerted action, and the progress of each country's efforts can be reliably evaluatedthrough national action plans. This is why we need a common ambition.

-

Furthermore, by stipulating “enhanced efforts thereafter (after 2040)”, further efforts byParties toward ending plastic pollution will be guaranteed without limiting the lifetime of
the treaty.

-

The idea of “elimination of additional plastic pollution” is shared by more than 80
countries or regions and is especially known as Osaka Blue Ocean Vision at G20
Osaka summit in 2019.

-Japan believes that it is most reliable and feasible approach to consider a certain timebound goal for the objective of the instrument by building on this widely shared vision,
taking into account of the urgent need to resolve this global issue.

-

That is why we propose setting a time-bound target for “elimination of additional plastic
pollution by 2040 and enhanced efforts thereafter” here, based on the shared vision.

Annex [X] - Effective measures at each stage of plastic lifecycle3

1.

Entire stagea.

2.

Production stage

a.

b.
c.

3.

Establish an effective mechanism in society to promote plastic circularity and prevent leakage ofplastics to the environment, including marine environment through a whole-of -society approachby adopting integrated and holistic national policies (*)

Reduce plastic use out of the loop of plastic circularity, including but not limited to the following
elements:i.
Promote plastic circularity through a whole-of-society approach (*)
ii.
Proper treatment of chemicals and polymers of concern, and problematic avoidable plastic
products, including intentionally added microplastics (*)
iii.
Reduce single-use plastics (*)
iv.
Adopt and enhance sustainable product design and performance criteria, by production
improvement such as volume reduction, simplification of packaging, ensure long life ofplastics, reuse of parts, use of mono materials, making it easier to break apart, sort out, andtransport for ease of recycling (*)
v.
Develop and encourage use of sustainable non-plastic substitutes (*)
vi.
Establish and operate extended producer responsibility systemsvii.
Prevent the emissions and releases of plastics throughout its life cycle (*)
Collect and recycle used plastics by production sectors (promotion of reuse and recycling,
improvement of reuse and recycling rate of plastics) (*)
Promote evaluation of plastic product footprints on the environment, sharing information on
product materials, cooperation between stakeholders, and standardization of product design anddevelopment of relevant guidelines.

Distribution/sale/consumption stagea.
b.

Reduce single-use plastics (*)
Collect and recycle used plastics by distribution/sale/consumption sectors (promotion of reuse andrecycling, improvement of reuse and recycling rate of plastics) (*)
c. Introduction of product take-back and right-to-repair requirementd. Introduction of product and service delivery systems
e. Introduction of deposit refund schemef. Supporting the development of skills and infrastructure for reuse, recycling, repair, repurposing
and refurbishment of plastic products
g. Economic instruments such as fees, tax incentives, subsidies, and subsidy reform, as appropriate
h. Leveraging public procurement
Raising-awareness of the problem of global plastic pollution and the importance of consumers’ andvendors’ behavioral changes in plastic use (*)

4.

Waste management and disposal stage

a.
b.

c.
d.
e.
f.

5.

Develop national sound waste management policies based on the appropriate priorities of waste
management including waste prevention
Ensure safe and environmentally sound waste management at its different stages, including
handling, sorting, collection, transportation, storage, recycling, and final disposal of plastic waste(*)
Enhance recycling and treatment capacity in light of current consumption level and future
projections to ensure environmentally sound waste management (*)
Prevent open dumping, ocean dumping, littering and open burning (*)
Invest in waste management systems and infrastructure (*)
Incentivize behavioural changes throughout the value chain and raise consumer awareness on
sustainable consumption (*)

Cross-cutting elementsa.

Existing plastic pollution, including in the marine environmenti.
cooperate to assess, identify and prioritize accumulation zones, hotspots and sectors (*)
ii.
take effective mitigation and remediation measures, including clean-up activities (*)
iii.
promote engagement for the local population and citizens in safe and environmentallysound remediation activities (*)
b. Just transitionc. International and, as appropriate, regional cooperation (*)
d. Information exchange (*)
e. Awareness-raising, education and research (*)
f. Stakeholder engagement (*)
g. other effective measures that can be adopted by the Conference of Parties taking into accounttechnological development, and scientific and socioeconomic assessments (*)(*): mandatory measures(Attachment follows this page.)(Attachment 2)
Explanatory note by Japan; Financial assistance to tackle plastic pollution
1. As for financial assistance for tackling plastic pollution, Japan believes that
financial assistance should be a complementary cooperative measure, since, in
principle, it is each Member’s responsibility to take necessary measures to control
the leakage of plastic waste in its country.
2. We also believe that, as each Member’s financial resources are limited,necessary financial assistance should be provided to countries most in need, inan effective, cost-efficient and sustainable manner. Moreover, In order tomaximize positive effects of financing assistance, Member countries need to
identify in advance which actions and measures are most effective and costefficient with financing and implement them in a planned way while targeting
assistance to necessary areas.
3. With this basic idea, our views on financial support are reflected in the revised
draft text as follows;
Part III

1. Financing [mechanism [and resources]]

OP4 ter. The support provided in paragraphs 2 and 4 shall be targeted to most effective
and cost-efficient measures, which are well-planned in advance within local communities
and coordinated with regional, subregional or national arrangement to maximize positiveeffects for preventing emissions and releases of plastics. A priority of the support shall begiven to establish an effective social system at local level for handling, sorting, collection,transportation, storage, recycling and treatment of plastic wastes, which is indispensable
to safe and environmentally sound waste management.

4. Here, we would like to explain the background of our proposal by demonstrating
how we should tackle plastic waste management effectively, based on our
experience.
5. Japan has proactively contributed to providing assistance to developing countries
in the area of waste management. Based on our long experience in this field, we
have learned that sound waste management is imperative for reducing thedischarge of plastics into the environment and that an effective waste
management should be established in three incremental stages as indicatedbelow, based on the country’s development stage.
(a) The first stage is to establish a basic social system where scattered wastes

are sorted, collected and transported with the participation of local community
and its citizens. The most essential part in this stage is awareness of thecurrent situation of waste management and establishment of an appropriate
waste management treatment flow, which contributes to an improvement inbasic waste management system and public hygiene.
(b) The second stage is to build treatment infrastructure along with formulatingplans, strengthening legal systems, and introducing technology andequipment for waste reduction aimed at minimizing the adverse impacts on
the environment caused by wastes. It contributes to reduction ofenvironmental burden and prevention of pollution.
(c) The third stage is to realize 3Rs -Reduce, reuse, recycle for the purpose of
establishing a sound material-cycle society. The value added through reuse
and recycling of wastes is a drive for industrialization. Sustainableindustrialization requires investment by private sector particularly in reuse,recycling, use of alternatives, and advanced sorting. However, without a basic
waste collection system in the first stage, which is fundamental fordevelopment of sustainable reuse and recycling, private sectors would face
investment risks due to lack of continuous availability of plastic wastes.
(In the case of GBFF (Global Biodiversity Framework Fund), it has yet tosecure fund from private sector, which clearly shows that some beneficial
elements linked with industrial developments are necessary to promote stable
investments by private companies.)
6. Therefore, a priority of supports should be given, first and foremost, toestablishing a basic social system at the local level for handling, sorting, collection,transportation, storage, recycling and treatment of plastic wastes, which isindispensable to safe and environmentally sound waste management and the key
to industrialization for promoting private sector’s investment. With a participatory
approach, it serves to keep necessary costs down for waste management andmake the social system more sustainable.
7. Plus, in order to ensure that supports are targeted to most effective and costefficient measures for waste management, each country must do careful planningto establish a waste management system at the local level and coordinate it with
regional, subregional or national arrangement to build necessary waste treatment
facilities covering geographically large areas in an effective and cost-efficient way.
This coherent planning at local community and wide-raging coordination are
essential to maximize positive effects for preventing emissions and releases ofplastics.
8. With these ideas above, Japan has greatly contributed so far to assisting many
developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc. in resolving their waste
management issue and we can assure our effectiveness of its assistance method
which works properly depending on national developmental stage.
9. Japan would like to share this vision on financing clauses for the plastic treaty
with other countries and further consider the best way to realize an effective andcost-effective plastic waste management system.

Annex: Japan’s assistance approach for waste management(end)