From Global Commitments to Industry Action: What COP29 and INC-5 Mean for Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing in 2025 and Beyond
As global leaders convened at COP29 and INC-5 to tackle the issues of climate change and plastic pollution, the outcomes of these summits resonated far beyond the negotiating tables. The commitments made at COP29 and INC-5 are shaping the future of sustainability, sending clear signals to industries to act now. These summits emphasized the need for circular economies, limits on plastic production, and a shift towards sustainable solutions—changes that will redefine how materials are sourced, produced, and integrated into products.
For businesses, the takeaway is clear: staying competitive means investing in sustainable materials, accelerating R&D for measurable outcomes, and collaborating to align innovations with global climate goals. COP29 and INC-5 didn’t just highlight challenges—they unveiled opportunities for forward-thinking leaders to turn ambition into action and secure their place in a rapidly evolving landscape.
COP29: Advancing Climate Action with Purpose
COP29 demonstrated meaningful progress in tackling climate finance and advancing the global energy transition, laying the groundwork for future success. Developed nations pledged $300 billion annually to climate finance by 2035, a milestone commitment to support countries in the Global South disproportionately affected by climate change. This funding promises to accelerate adaptation and mitigation efforts, but ensuring equitable distribution and simplifying access will be key to transformative impact. On fossil fuels, discussions around a “just, orderly, and equitable” energy transition highlighted the importance of scaling renewables while prioritizing vulnerable communities. Although resistance from some nations delayed binding agreements, the elevated urgency and collaborative spirit at COP29 set the stage for stronger commitments and a more sustainable future.
INC-5: Negotiating a Global Plastics Treaty
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) was a pivotal moment in the global fight against plastic pollution. With over 100 nations at the table, the focus shifted toward consensus-building on a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, with negotiations centered on addressing systemic issues in plastic production, use, and disposal.
At INC-5, nations made progress toward a 2025 global plastics treaty, with shared emphasis on upstream solutions like capping plastic production to address pollution at its source. The High Ambition Coalition pushed for bold targets, while others advocated flexibility for national capacities. Key discussions expanded to include microplastics, biodiversity, and ocean health, ensuring a comprehensive framework. Businesses also demonstrated readiness to align with environmental goals, with major corporations joining the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty. By focusing on prevention and fostering sustainable innovation, the treaty aims to create long-term solutions for a cleaner, healthier planet.
Turning COP29 and INC-5 Outcomes into Tactical Priorities for Your Team
Unlocking the Future with Digital R&D
As regulations targeting plastic production grow more stringent, businesses face a pivotal moment to innovate. Digital R&D platforms provide a transformative opportunity, enabling teams to simulate, test, and optimize materials faster and more effectively, accelerating time-to-market and allowing organizations to maintain their competitive edge in an evolving landscape.
Proactive Adaptation to Regulatory Trends
Global agreements like INC-5 are clear indicators of the shift toward upstream solutions for issues like microplastics and production restrictions. For organizations, this means prioritizing investments in biobased materials and sustainable alternatives early to ensure readiness to adapt to an increasingly sustainability-focused economy.
Building Circularity into Innovation
The circular economy is no longer a concept of the future—it’s a framework for today’s product development. Designing for waste reduction isn’t just good for the planet; it’s a compliance necessity. Companies that embed these principles into their innovation strategies will come out more resilient against growing regulatory pushes.
Data-Driven Accountability
With stakeholders demanding clear, measurable progress, digital tools that track lifecycle impacts, emissions, and supply chain efficiency are critical. Leveraging data-driven insights not only meets these expectations but also creates stronger customer confidence. As sustainability strategies become increasingly data-centric, businesses with robust reporting capabilities will lead the way.
Turning Mandates into Opportunities
The path to 2025 is rich with potential for businesses ready to act. As AI and next-generation materials expand, they are transforming sustainability efforts. These advancements not only reduce environmental impact but also help businesses achieve sustainability goals while fostering systemic change toward a cleaner future. By staying ahead of regulatory shifts through accelerated innovation, companies can turn compliance challenges into competitive strengths. With the global focus on sustainability growing, those who move now will lead their industries and pave the way to a brighter, more cleaner planet.
Authored by Kritika Tyagi
Head of Product & Development and Co-founder