Deadlock on production, chemicals as global plastic treaty talks falter

GENEVA (AN) — Negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution drew to a close but delegates remain deadlocked on critical issues. A draft text presented by the talks’ chair was met with near-universal rejection.

This is the sixth time nations have met to negotiate the treaty since 2022. The talks, involving representatives from 184 countries, were scheduled to conclude on Thursday but are now likely to extend into Friday.

The outcome of the talks hosted by the United Nations Environment Program's Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution will determine whether the world moves toward a globally mandated reduction in plastic production or focuses solely on managing the waste already being generated. A new draft text was expected.

The world produces more than 400 million tons of plastic each year, with half of that used for single-use items. A significant portion of this plastic is not properly managed: nearly half, or 46%, ends up in landfills, while 17% is incinerated and 22% is mismanaged.

The latest draft text, released by chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso, avoided the most contentious issues. It omitted legally-binding production limits and a dedicated section on chemicals of concern.

Instead, the draft focused on areas of broader agreement, such as improving waste management and promoting the redesign of plastic products for reuse and recycling. It also called on nations to make voluntary commitments rather than imposing legally-binding rules.

That approach was immediately criticized by both sides of the debate.

'A collection of national and voluntary measures'

A coalition of over 100 countries, known as the High Ambition Coalition, has been pushing for a comprehensive, legally-binding treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics.

Conversely, a group of oil and gas-producing nations, referred to as the "Like-Minded Group," also rejected the draft. These nations, which want a treaty focused on waste management, argued that the text went beyond their "red lines."

The profound divisions leave the negotiations at a standstill as the scheduled deadline passes. Some delegates have emphatically stated that another meeting is not an option due to the cost and tedium.

Others said they would support reconvening if an agreement on key articles cannot be reached, but some believe it would be better to have no treaty than a weak one.

Environmental groups at the talks echoed this sentiment. In a strong rebuke of the draft text, WWF International called it a collection of weak, voluntary measures that fail to address the global crisis.

"Let’s be clear, this is not a global treaty. This a collection of national and voluntary measures that will do nothing to address the worsening plastics crisis," said Zaynab Sadan, the group's head of delegation for the talks.

"After more than two and a half years of negotiations," she said, "this is the furthest we’ve been from finalizing an effective treaty."