The collapse of talks on a global plastic pollution treaty highlights the deep divisions between countries over how to tackle plastic waste. Environmental groups say that oil-producing nations, which make up the building blocks of plastic, have blocked efforts to limit plastic manufacturing and restrict the use of toxic chemicals.
Despite years of negotiations, a deal could not be reached, with countries failing to bridge wide gaps on key issues such as limiting plastic production and restricting the use of harmful chemicals. The talks were meant to conclude after last week’s round in Geneva, but it remains unclear what next steps will take place.
Environmental groups are frustrated, saying that the lack of progress is a result of oil-producing nations blocking any attempt at advancing a viable treaty. “The result was the chaos you saw,” said Bjorn Beeler, executive director at IPEN. The collapse also highlights the challenges in reaching consensus among countries on issues like waste management.
Estimates suggest that plastic production will grow by 70% between 2020 and 2040, with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicting that over 736 million tons of plastic will be produced annually by then. Recycling rates are also low, with less than 10% of global plastic waste being recycled as of 2020.
The collapse comes after a coalition of nations aimed to improve recycling and clean up the world’s plastic waste, while also curbing plastics production. However, oil-producing nations opposed these measures, arguing that they unfairly targeted crucial industries.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/15/climate/plastic-pollution-treaty-talks-collapse.html