BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:unctad.org BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6a5112561563c DTSTART:20250804T120000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20250804T131500Z LOCATION:Geneva\, Switzerland SUMMARY:INC-5.2 Pre-event: Navigating the materials spectrum - a criteria-b ased approach to product design and trade CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:Conventional plastics\, bio-based and biodegradable plastic alt ernatives\, and non-plastic substitutes each have crucial roles to play - and complex trade-offs to navigate - in today’s materials landscape. Whi le the INC process primarily targets controls on conventional plastics\, i t also reverberates through markets for alternative and substitute materia ls\, influencing their global trade dynamics and incentives for end-of-lif e recovery and recycling.Environmental assessments and beach cleanups cons istently highlight lightweight films\, packaging\, straws\, and similar si ngle-use items as a disproportionately large source of plastic leakage int o nature - even though these products represent only a small fraction of t otal polymer production. This imbalance raises an important question:Can r egulation favoring sturdier\, reusable applications bridge the gap between those calling for strict limits on primary plastic production and those c hampioning material/product innovation?How do we ensure that “biodegrada ble” or compostable alternatives\, especially in regions without industr ial composting facilities\, are properly labeled\, marketed\, and compatib le with existing recycling systems\, so they don’t inadvertently undermi ne waste-management infrastructure?As members of the WTO Dialogue on Plast ics engage with the World Customs Organization in updating the Harmonized System for 2027\, improved goods classification can enable more targeted p olicies. These may prioritize reusables\, durable materials\, and plastic products with better circularity and lifecycle performance.INC-5.2 refers to the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiati ng Committee (INC-5.2)\, focused on developing a global legally binding in strument on plastic pollution. It is scheduled to take place in Geneva fro m August 5 to 14\, 2025.  The meeting is a continuation of efforts to rea ch a global treaty to address plastic pollution\, including in the marine environment\, following the initial INC-5 session in South Korea in late 2 024. REGISTRATIONINDICO REGISTRATION (MANDATORY FOR UN BUILDING ACCESS)JO IN ONLINEProgrammeIntroductory Remarks: Mr. Henrique Pacini\, UNCTADModera tor: Ms. Noelia Garcia\, International Organization for Standardization (I SO)Mr. David Vivas Eugui\, Chief\, Blue and Circular Economy UnitMr. Anind ya Mukherjee\, Co-Founder\, GO!PHAMr. Thomas Phillipon\, CEO\, TotalEnergi es CorbionMr. Adrian da Costa\, ExxonMobil Product SolutionsMr. Severino L ima Jr\, International Alliance of Waste Pickers (tbc) https://teams.micr osoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODI3NmM2NzUtMTA5Zi00YTFiLTk4NGQtNWRlO TQ1Y2Y0ODIz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220f9e35db-544f-4f60-bdc c-5ea416e6dc70%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%225776f170-cdcd-48c7-8815-f6360f87e7b4%22 %7d"\; target="\;_blank"\; title="\;Open in MS Teams\n\nVi ew meeting on unctad.org\nhttps://unctad.org/meeting/inc-52-pre-event-navi gating-materials-spectrum-criteria-based-approach-product-design-and DTSTAMP:20260710T154006Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR