The latest UN-led negotiations for a global plastic treaty have ended in deadlock, with countries split between limiting plastic production and focusing on recycling solutions. Talks, which began in 2022, failed to reach consensus, delaying efforts to finalize a legally binding agreement.
Key Divisions:
Pro-Production Caps: Over 100 countries, including the UK and EU, along with companies like Nestlé and Unilever, support restricting plastic output and standardizing designs for better recycling. They argue that extended producer responsibility could generate $576 billion by 2040 for waste management.
Anti-Cap Coalition: Major oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia oppose production limits, insisting plastics are vital to their economies. Instead, they advocate for improved recycling infrastructure. Industry groups warn that replacing plastics could have unintended consequences.
Environmental Concerns:
Recycling alone is insufficient, with global rates stuck at just 10%.
Plastic production has skyrocketed from 2 million tonnes (1950) to 475 million tonnes (2022), with projections showing further growth without intervention.
Small island nations, like Palau, expressed frustration, as they suffer severe pollution impacts despite minimal contributions.
Next Steps:A revised draft by the session chair included measures on hazardous chemicals and recyclable designs but avoided production caps. While the EU called it a "workable" starting point, oil-producing nations and environmental groups criticized the outcome. Greenpeace accused some countries of protecting fossil fuel interests over the planet.
With the original deadline already missed by over six months, the next round of talks has no clear timeline, leaving the treaty's future uncertain.
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