26/08/2025
The UN’s latest attempt to conclude a global plastics treaty failed in Geneva on 14 August, after ten days of negotiations involving more than 1,400 delegates from 183 countries. The negotiations, known as INC-5.2, aimed to produce the first legally binding agreement to combat plastic pollution throughout its life cycle, from production to disposal. However, they ended in failure, highlighting deep divisions and frustration with the state of global cooperation.
Deadlock on production limits
The EU and many allies have pushed to limit the use of virgin plastic and phase out harmful chemicals. Oil and gas-producing countries, including the United States, India and Saudi Arabia, opposed this, preferring to focus on recycling and waste management measures. Critics pointed out that only around 9% of plastic waste is recycled worldwide, making this approach inadequate.
From Ambition to Impasse
Frustration grew as consensus rules allowed a handful of countries to block progress. France, Denmark, and Colombia accused oil-producing countries of obstruction, while environmental groups argued that ‘no treaty was better than a weak treaty.’ Meanwhile, some unusual allies have called for ambition. The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, whose members include Coca-Cola, Walmart, and PepsiCo, has demanded binding rules covering the entire plastics value chain. The World Health Organisation also warned of the growing health risks associated with plastic pollution, urging governments not to water down the agreement.
With negotiations suspended, the future of the treaty is uncertain. Some diplomats argue that the UN should abandon consensus rules and allow majority voting; others suggest that ‘coalitions of the willing’ could move forward outside the UN process. The failure in Geneva is more than a missed opportunity. It highlights how geopolitical and economic interests are hindering collective action, even as plastic waste is expected to nearly triple by 2060. Whether through new UN negotiations or coalitions of the willing, the world now faces a difficult choice: continue to negotiate or let plastic pollution spiral out of control.