Countries negotiating a global treaty to address plastic pollution have failed to reach an agreement at what was meant to be the final meeting.
The fifth U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan, South Korea, ended without agreement.
Over 100 nations wanted to cap plastic production while several oil-producing countries were only prepared to target plastic waste.
The INC will resume discussions in 2025, with the venue yet to be announced.
Speaking at the session’s closing, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said: “The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable.
“Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution.”
She highlighted that “good progress” was made in Busan, however, Anderson said that “persisting divergence” remains in key areas.
The European Union said it remains “strongly in favour” of a Treaty and called on countries obstructing the deal to “show more ambition”.
The EU said negotiators disagreed on a possible target to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers, as well as bans on chemicals of concern in plastic products.
I strongly regret that there is no agreement on a new global plastics treaty.
Speaking on the result, Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy said: “I strongly regret that there is no agreement on a new global plastics treaty. If business as usual continues, plastic production will triple by 2060.
“The EU will remain firmly committed to finding a global solution. Our oceans, our environment and citizens around the globe need it.”
Reacting to the lack of agreement, Rob Opsomer, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Executive Lead on Plastics & Finance, said: “The clock is now ticking for governments to make a decisive choice at the next negotiating session in 2025.
“It’s encouraging to see such a strong majority of countries supporting global rules across the plastics lifecycle.
“We urge them to hold on to their ambition and agree to an impactful treaty that sets the global rules that business needs to unlock solutions at scale to end plastic pollution.”
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) expressed disappointment over the lack of a formal agreement.
Alev Somer, BIR Director of Advocacy, commented: “We stand firm in supporting a legally binding agreement. Voluntary measures, while a step forward, may not deliver the necessary impact. A binding treaty would ensure accountability and meaningful change.
“We hope the process advances toward a global agreement. The world needs this treaty to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Five island states join Common Seas programme to stop plastic pollution
Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Saint Lucia have confirmed agreements to work with Common Seas to develop national plans to reduce plastic pollution.
The agreements were formalised at an event alongside the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan.
The programme is funded by UK International Development through the UK government’s Sustainable Blue Economies (SBE) Programme, which aims to enhance the resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Discussing the agreement, Dr Charlotte Davies, Managing Director at Common Seas, said: “Island states are disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution and rely heavily on healthy oceans for their economies and wellbeing.
“This makes it of utmost importance that their governments have tailored, actionable plans in place to tackle plastic pollution on their shores.
“We are delighted to have formalised our partnerships with Guinea-Bissau, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Saint Lucia and look forward to working with their governments to develop strategies to stop plastic pollution in their countries.”
