Collaboration & Co-Creation Regulation & Public Policy

Latest Attempt at Global Plastics Treaty Ends in Stalemate

Despite momentum and optimism earlier in the process, the treaty negotiations were increasingly stymied by disagreement around potential approaches.

Published 3 months ago | About a 4 minute read

Image: Benjamin Von Wong's latest sculptural call to arms around plastic waste, "The Thinker's Burden," is installed just outside of UN Geneva to mark the negotiations. | UN Photo/Anthiosse Georges

Following 10 days of negotiations, the 2nd part of the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2)’s fifth attempt to develop an international legally binding instrument to address global plastic pollution ended early today without consensus.

The Geneva gathering of more than 2,600 participants — including over 1,400 Member delegates from 183 countries, and close to 1,000 Observers representing over 400 organizations — adjourned with Member States expressing desire to continue the process, recognizing the significant difference of views between states; the Committee agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced.

“This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges, and multilateral strains. However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). “While we did not land the treaty text we hoped for, we at UNEP will continue the work against plastic pollution.”

Despite momentum and optimism earlier in the process, the treaty negotiations were increasingly stymied by disagreement around potential approaches: While many nations pushed for caps on plastic production, strict chemical phase-outs and mandatory redesign standards, others — and an outsized delegation of industry lobbyists — pushed for softer, voluntary measures and a continued emphasis on downstream waste management.

Business and civil society groups have expressed frustration, tinged with optimism.

"Disappointingly, consensus among nations remained elusive, which further delays critical action to tackle plastic pollution and capture the economic benefits that effective harmonized regulation would bring,” the 300+-member Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty said in a statement. “This round of negotiations has failed to deliver the certainty that business needs to further mobilize investment and scale solutions to address plastic pollution.

“We are however encouraged by the increased clarity achieved through three years of negotiations on the globally harmonized regulations across the full lifecycle of plastics needed to effectively tackle plastic pollution, and by the alignment among over 100 countries on the key elements — including phase-outs, product design and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). We reiterate our call for consistent and harmonized regulation on these elements.

“This progress is something that we can and must build on. As businesses, we will continue working together to drive solutions; but we know voluntary efforts alone will not be enough. We stand ready to work with policymakers across the world in support of the globally harmonized regulations that business needs, and the majority of nations want.”

Rebecca Marmot, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at Unilever, said: “We’re disappointed at the lack of an agreement at INC-5.2; these talks must translate to tangible action. Harmonized regulations are essential to reduce business complexity and cost, whilst also increasing confidence to invest in solutions. We will continue our efforts to tackle plastic pollution and stand ready to support governments to deliver globally coordinated regulations.”

“We are at a unique moment in time — where business, civil society and many governments are calling for harmonized regulation to tackle plastic pollution,” added Jodie Roussell, Global Public Affairs Lead, Packaging & Sustainability at Nestlé. “An ambitious treaty addressing the full lifecycle of plastic can drive consistency across borders, support national ambitions and provide the lowest-cost options to effectively address plastic pollution. Voluntary efforts are not enough, and the current fragmented regulatory landscape results in increased costs and complexity for business.”

‍Others seemed to agree that a stalemate is better than putting forth a watered-down, ineffectual deal.

“No treaty is better than a weak treaty that creates an illusion of progress and could discourage stronger action,” said Renée Sharp, director of plastic and petrochemical advocacy at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We applaud the many countries that resisted the pressure to agree to a treaty that would not protect our health, environment or communities from plastic pollution. Now it is up to the majority of countries wanting global action to find a way forward towards a strong treaty in future negotiations.”

While we wait to hear plans for yet another round of negotiations, it’s clear that business as usual is no longer an option: As The Lancet’s new analysis reveals, the environmental and human health effects of plastic pollution are costing us trillions; a livable future hinges on smarter design, better systems and fewer virgin plastics.