Global Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations Collapse in South Korea
More than 200 nations failed to reach a landmark agreement on tackling plastic pollution during recent negotiations in Busan, South Korea, missing a critical two-year deadline set in 2022 to develop a comprehensive global treaty.
The key point of contention was Article 6, which centers on whether countries should commit to cutting plastic production or simply focus on increasing recycling efforts. A group of 95 countries, including the UK, European Union, African nations, and many South American countries, advocated for a legally binding pledge to reduce production levels.
Mexico’s chief negotiator, Camila Zepeda, emphasized the importance of addressing the plastic pollution crisis, stating that citizens are counting on nations to protect the environment. However, oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and Russia strongly opposed production cuts.
The scale of the plastic pollution problem is significant. Since 1950, over eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced globally, with less than 10% recycled, according to United Nations estimates. This has resulted in millions of tonnes of plastic entering oceans and seas, posing severe risks to wildlife. Birds, fish, and whales can become entangled in or ingest plastic debris, leading to injury and death.
Additionally, plastic production is environmentally problematic beyond waste management. Currently, it is responsible for approximately 5% of global emissions, meaning efforts to restrict plastic could also contribute to climate change mitigation.
The petrochemical industry has been actively intervening in treaty discussions. A report by InfluenceMap found that the industry intervened dozens of times, with 93% of interventions opposing production level reductions. Interestingly, some major plastic product manufacturers like Unilever, Mars, and Nestlé support consistent global regulation.
Nestlé’s global public affairs lead for sustainability, Jodie Roussell, expressed disappointment that consensus remains elusive, noting that this delays critical action and fails to provide businesses with the certainty needed to invest in solutions.
Oil-producing nations argue that phasing out plastic could undermine global development. Kuwait’s delegates emphasized that plastic has brought immense benefits to societies worldwide and that the treaty’s objective should be ending plastic pollution, not plastic itself.
India also voiced concerns about production cuts, citing potential impacts on its development rights.
Environmental organizations are frustrated by the negotiations’ collapse. Eirik Lindebjerg from the World Wildlife Fund suggested that the 95 countries supporting production cuts should consider proceeding with their own treaty.
Countries are expected to reconvene next year to continue negotiations. The WWF remains optimistic, believing that most countries want meaningful action on plastic pollution.
The failure to reach an agreement highlights the complex global challenges in balancing environmental protection, economic interests, and sustainable development.
