Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks Collapse Without Agreement

World plastic pollution treaty talks have collapsed due to a failure to find consensus on how to tackle the growing issue. Negotiators from 185 nations worked beyond the deadline but couldn't agree on bold action such as curbing plastic production or a narrower focus on waste management. Countries voiced anger and despair but agreed to continue negotiations in the future.

Global negotiations to develop a landmark treaty addressing plastic pollution have once again failed to reach a consensus, despite extended efforts to strike a deal. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meeting in Geneva concluded on Friday without an agreement, despite intense late-night negotiations [1].

The talks, which had been ongoing for six rounds over three years, were intended to produce a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution. More than 1,000 delegates from at least 180 countries attended the latest session, with countries deeply divided over the treaty's scope [1].

The primary point of contention was the extent of action required. A large bloc, known as the High Ambition Coalition, advocated for bold measures such as curbing plastic production and phasing out toxic chemicals. Conversely, a group of oil-producing states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Iran, and Malaysia, pushed for a more limited focus on waste management [1].

The negotiations were marked by anger and disappointment from many delegates. France's Ecological Transition Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher expressed her frustration, blaming a small number of countries guided by short-term financial interests for blocking an ambitious treaty [1]. Countries like Palau and Tuvalu also voiced their frustration, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on small island nations [1].

Despite the failure to reach an agreement, many delegates expressed a willingness to continue negotiations. The European Union and South Africa’s delegate suggested that the latest draft could serve as a basis for future talks [1]. The chair of the negotiating committee, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, adjourned the session but did not rule out the possibility of a seventh round of talks [1].

The plastic pollution problem remains pressing. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, global plastic production is projected to nearly triple by 2060, reaching 1.2 billion metric tons annually, with waste exceeding 1 billion metric tons [2].

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/15/geneva-talks-on-global-plastic-pollution-treaty-collapse-without-a-deal
[2] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2025/08/15/sustainability/plastic-waste-talks-collapse/