Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks Stalled Amid Disagreements

Countries failed to reach an agreement on plastic pollution during the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) held in Busan, Republic of Korea. Divergent views on the scope of the treaty delayed negotiations, which are now expected to resume in 2025.

The session, which began on Nov. 25, brought together over 3,300 participants, including representatives from more than 170 nations and 440 observer organizations. Over 100 nations have already supported a proposal to set a global target to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers. Advocates argue that solving plastic pollution requires reducing plastic production and addressing its entire lifecycle, from creation to disposal.

Camila Zepeda, Director of the International Affairs Coordination Unit, Mexico’s Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT), emphasized that the treaty should include clear and legally binding obligations to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals. SEMARNAT also pushed for mandatory measures for eco-design, the elimination of plastic waste leaks into the environment, and a just transition for the millions of informal waste collectors worldwide. Additionally, the country highlighted the importance of a financing mechanism to assist developing nations and those most affected by plastic pollution.

In contrast, some oil and gas-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, opposed efforts to curb plastic production. Saudi Arabia’s negotiator argued that the treaty should focus only on pollution, not on plastic production. Similarly, Kuwait’s representative stated that addressing plastic pollution, rather than banning plastics, was the treaty’s true objective. Additionally, Stewart Harris, Spokesperson, International Council of Chemical Associations, said that the organization is hopeful governments can reach an agreement with just a little more time, as he described the treaty as too ambitious. 

On the final day of talks, some delegates and environmental groups criticized the diluted negotiations. They agreed that leaving Busan without a treaty was preferable to signing a weak one. Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana’s lead negotiator, highlighted Africa’s severe plastic pollution crisis, stating, “We want a treaty that will solve it. Otherwise, we will leave and return to fight another time.”

Juliet Kabera, Rwanda’s lead negotiator, representing 85 countries, insisted the treaty must be ambitious, effective, and durable to serve current and future generations. Similarly, Panama’s delegation, which led efforts to include plastic production in the treaty, vowed to return stronger and more determined.

Initially, the treaty required unanimous agreement on proposals. However, in light of the impasse, some countries suggested allowing decisions through voting if consensus was unattainable. This was met with resistance from nations like India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait, who argued that consensus was vital for an inclusive and effective treaty.

Luis Vayas Valdivieso, INC Chair, acknowledged the ambitious nature of the committee’s mandate and the time required to finalize decisions. “Ambition takes time to land. Busan has put us firmly on a pathway to success. Let us remember our purpose is noble and urgent: to reverse the severe effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health,” he urged.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted both the progress made and the challenges ahead. “Negotiators have achieved greater convergence on the treaty’s structure and elements, but critical divergences remain. More time is needed to address these areas,” she said.

Discussions are expected to resume in 2025, though the venue has yet to be announced. Plastic pollution continues to pose a significant global challenge. According to the UN, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks of plastic waste is dumped daily into oceans, rivers, and lakes, endangering wildlife and human health. Annually, 430Mt of new plastics are produced, with projections indicating this number will triple by 2060. Alarmingly, only 9% of plastics are recycled, while 60% have lifespans of less than five years, exacerbating pollution and public health risks as microplastics infiltrate human bodies and ecosystems.