Global Plastic Treaty Talks Stall Amid Production Cap Disputes

Talks on a global treaty to curb plastic pollution ended without agreement as negotiators from 184 countries failed to bridge divisions over production limits and chemical controls. Delegates remain split on whether the treaty should impose caps on plastic output or concentrate on recycling, reuse, and safer chemical management.

Fossil fuel–producing nations and the plastics industry strongly opposed production restrictions, pushing instead for measures centered on waste management. Meanwhile, other countries and environmental groups argued that without curbing production, plastic use will continue to soar.

The latest draft recognizes the unsustainable growth of plastics and highlights associated risks — from microplastics contaminating oceans and food chains to toxic chemicals seeping into water and soil. However, negotiators admitted little progress was made. As one delegate put it: “We are going in circles. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result.”

15-08-2025