Global Plastics Treaty Talks Continue into 2025: Momentum or Gridlock

With countries unable to conclude Global Plastics Treaty negotiations at the Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee meeting INC-5.1 in Busan in 2024, talks will continue in 2025 at the upcoming INC-5.2 in Geneva, in August.  

This month, at the third UN Ocean Conference 2025, co-host France issued a statement signed by more than 95 countries, including Australia, in support of a legally binding global plastic pollution treaty, indicating an intent to effectively conclude negotiations at the upcoming meeting. 


The non-binding statement represents the views of “the Ministers and representatives from the majority of the INC members, from various regions and levels of development”. Those countries who signed the statement made a commitment to the following goals at the upcoming INC-5.2: 

  • Addressing unsustainable levels of production and consumption of problem plastics. 
  • Phasing out the most problematic plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products. 
  • Improving the design of plastic products. 
  • Need for effective implementation and financing according to the polluter-pays model. 

 
These action points describe a potentially effective and powerful Global Plastics Treaty that would see nations made accountable for plastic they produce. However, it remains to be seen whether the momentum felt at the UN Ocean Conference 2025 will carry through to concluding Treaty negotiations in Geneva. 

 
Divided Nations  

Diverging national interests between major coalitions in Global Plastics Treaty negotiations has caused discussions to stagnate. Countries continue to be divided on major topics including restrictions on production of plastics, chemicals of concern, and waste management versus comprehensive solutions which tackle the life cycle of plastics. 


On one side, the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) including the European Union, Australia, Canada, and South Korea are advocating for a treaty which curbs plastic production, as they aim to tackle plastic pollution at its source. In opposition stand the so-called likeminded group of countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, all who are major players in the production of petrochemicals. 


These countries are focused on a Treaty formed around waste management and recycling, rather than the full lifecycle of materials. This stance is rooted in economic concerns, as the countries depend on the continued demand of fossil fuels and petrochemicals of which plastic is made from. 


Another point of contention between nations is the regulation of specific toxic chemicals which are often present in plastic. These chemicals threaten human health and the environment. On one side of the fence, the HAC Coalition wants stringent bans and restrictions on harmful chemicals, while the like-minded group have argued heavily against this, protesting any language in the treaty which stipulates stringent controls on chemicals used in plastics. Unfortunately, these deep divides between the two coalition groups have resulted in deadlock. 

 

The Plastic Problem 

Since the 1950s, the production and consumption of plastics has increased exponentially, with cumulative global plastic production levels in 2019 estimated at 9.49 billion tonnes. The popularity of plastic is linked to its versatility and affordability. However, it is over-produced, over-used, mismanaged, and discarded improperly. Consequently, only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled effectively. 

      Source: Geyer et al. (2017); OECD (2022) – with major processing by Our World in Data.


One startling prediction exemplifying the vastness of plastic waste is that by 2050 its weight in the ocean could outweigh that of fish. Moreover, studies show that plastic has infiltrated even the most remote places of the world, including Antarctica and the human body. The widespread presence of plastic pollution has given way to a new lexicon, with some scientists arguing Earth has entered a geological era called the Plasticene, as plastic is now found everywhere. 


Global Plastics Treaty Origins 

In 2022, to combat the global plastic crisis, 175 countries ambitiously agreed to unite and develop an international and legally binding agreement to 'end plastic pollution' by 2024 called the Global Plastics Treaty. This legally binding agreement seeks to address the full lifecycle of plastic from production to disposal. 

Like many multilateral environmental agreements, the Global Plastics Treaty is to be reached by consensus, meaning that all countries must be happy with the contents of the agreement before it can be put in place. So far, however, reaching a shared agreement has proven a challenging task.   


Gridlock or Momentum 

Progress has been further derailed and delayed by the heavy presence and advocacy of fossil fuel corporations lobbying for a watered-down treaty, which allows for business as usual. For instance, in 2024 during the fifth round of negotiations held in Busan, Korea, petrochemical lobbyist groups had the largest delegation, outnumbering even the European Union's delegation and all its member states combined, meaning that through their heavy presence they had strong influence on the direction of the treaty. 


Despite countries currently unable to reach a shared consensus on the content of the Global Plastic Treaty, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Director Inger Andersen has stressed that we are closer than ever to reaching a legally and globally binding agreement which will end plastic pollution. 


Anderson stated: “The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution.” 


All eyes will be on Geneva as we await a concluded Treaty. 
 

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Plastic Waste? 

While we await developments as to an internationally binding treaty, there are other ways you can support your local environment and contribute towards the elimination of litter and waste. Here are just a few ideas: 

  • Use your democratic rights – vote for candidates with strong environmental pledges. 
  • Say no to plastics by avoiding disposable plastics items such as cutlery and containers for food and beverages. 
  • Use re-fillable products. 
  • Ditch single-use plastic bags, choose a tote instead. 
  • Carry a refillable bottle. 

 



By Emilia Mathias 

25/06/2025 

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