Negotiations for Landmark Plastic Treaty Stall Just Before Deadline

Talks aimed at establishing the world’s first legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution have encountered significant setbacks, stalling just one day before the scheduled conclusion of negotiations. Key stakeholders, including representatives from Colombia, the European Union (EU), and the United Kingdom (UK), have deemed the latest draft treaty as “unacceptable” and lacking ambition. The main contention lies in the absence of production caps and inadequate attention to the harmful chemicals involved in plastic manufacturing.

Almost 100 nations, such as Australia, Canada, and several African and Pacific countries, have emphasized the urgent need for legally binding measures that directly limit plastic production. These nations argue that addressing plastic pollution requires action at its source, particularly concerning the toxic chemicals present in many plastic products.

The ongoing discussions, now in their third year, have been primarily focused on whether to impose caps on plastic production or to pivot towards improved design, recycling, and reuse strategies. A coalition of oil and plastic-producing countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, along with support from the United States and the chemical industry, opposes production limits. They advocate instead for a treaty that prioritizes waste management and recycling solutions.

During a meeting in Geneva on March 13, 2025, many negotiators expressed their discontent with the draft text presented by chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso. Delegates from various countries voiced that they were “extremely concerned” and “disappointed” by the low level of ambition reflected in the document.

Colombia’s representative, Sebastián Rodríguez, condemned the draft as “completely unacceptable,” while Julio Cordano, head of the Chilean delegation, noted significant omissions that fail to address the scale of the plastic crisis. Panama’s delegate, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez, stated that their “red lines” had been “spat on and burned,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation as negotiators faced a mere 30 hours to reach a viable agreement. “This is not ambition; it is surrender,” he asserted.

The UK’s head of delegation, Jane Barton, remarked that the draft represented the “lowest common denominator” and stressed the need for an effective treaty that serves both people and the planet. The current draft includes a solitary reference to plastic production in the preamble, reaffirming the importance of sustainable practices, but has removed a dedicated article on production and made no mention of chemicals involved in plastic production.

Kenya criticized the draft as merely a “waste management” tool lacking democratic value for states committed to limiting plastic. Mexico echoed this sentiment, calling it a “crisis in multilateralism.” Dennis Clare, a negotiator for Micronesia, expressed frustration, stating, “Some parties, including ours, are not even willing to engage on that text; it’s a step backward.”

Ahead of the draft’s release, Colombian Congressman Juan Carlos Lozada highlighted the urgency of addressing production levels, warning that without stringent measures, hopes for a sustainable future would dwindle by 2050. Andreas Bjelland, Norway’s delegation head and co-chair of the high ambition coalition, reiterated the necessity of including production in the final treaty, as initial agreements explicitly mentioned sustainable production and consumption.

Environmental activist group Greenpeace condemned the new draft, labeling it a “gift to the petrochemical industry” and a “betrayal of humanity.” Graham Forbes, Greenpeace’s head of delegation, criticized the draft for failing to confront production and harmful chemicals, arguing that it perpetuates the myth of recycling as a solution while ignoring the fundamental issue of unchecked plastic production.

Negotiations are set to continue on March 14, 2025, as nations strive to reach a consensus on a treaty that can effectively address the global plastic pollution crisis.