A pivotal moment in the fight against plastic pollution is here. 

From 25 November to 1 December 2024, global leaders will convene at the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea, to finalize a UN treaty on plastic pollution. Among the critical issues to address is how to mobilize the financing needed to implement this treaty effectively — and the role of private finance is central to this discussion. 

This paper provides a comprehensive framework for how private finance can help transition to a circular economy for plastics and how the UN Treaty can enable this transformation. 

What this paper covers 

This report offers actionable guidance across three key areas: 

• For companies: 

• How to understand and assess the impacts, risks, and opportunities related to plastics. 

• Why corporate accountability and the disclosure of decision-useful information to financial markets are critical. 

• For financial markets: 

• How to use corporate data to integrate plastic pollution risks and opportunities into financial decision-making. 

• Strategies to drive sustainable investments and align portfolios with circular economy goals. 

• For policymakers: 

• The enabling framework the UN Treaty should provide to support market shifts, such as: 

• Supporting secondary plastics markets, Incentivizing innovation and investment 

• Mandating corporate disclosure 

Why this matters now 

Plastic pollution is at a tipping point, with devastating impacts on the environment, economies, and communities. INC-5 offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address this crisis through a binding global treaty. However, without the alignment of businesses, financial markets, and policymakers, achieving a circular economy for plastics will remain out of reach.