Page 52 - Plastic News Issue August 2025
P. 52
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Plastics Treaty Talks Set to
Begin Sixth Phase
(Familiar roadblocks remain as negotiators descend on Geneva for INC-5.2)
lobal representatives have spent five members representing more than 170 countries
sessions and almost three years nego- and observers from more than 440 organiza-
Gtiating a legally binding treaty on plastic tions met for INC-5. Through its own research,
pollution. From Aug. 5-14, they will make a sixth the Washington-based Center for International
attempt at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Environmental Law (CIEL) said at the time that
more than 220 fossil fuel and pet-
rochemical lobbyists also attended.
The starting point
INC-5.2 talks will use the “Chair’s
Text” as a starting point in Geneva.
Developed by INC Chair and am-
bassador for Ecuador Luis Vayas
Valdivieso, the treaty text includes
measures addressing product de-
sign and the development of a
global list of chemicals and prod-
ucts of concern to eliminate, while
also leaving options open for coun-
The sixth United Nations Intergovernmental Ne-
gotiating Committee, or INC-5.2, is billed as an tries wishing to participate on a more voluntary
extension of the fifth session, which took place basis—an ongoing point of contention.
Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2024, in Busan, South Korea. During the previous session in Busan, a major-
That conference was supposed to be the finale, ity group of more than 100 countries from vari-
wrapping a two-year process to create a legally ous regions led by Mexico and Rwanda said they
binding document. However, key differences would not accept a treaty without binding global
remain between countries, including potential bans and phaseouts of “harmful plastic products
caps on plastic production, the establishment of and chemicals of concern.” The stance was at
a financial mechanism to implement the agree- odds with countries such as China, Saudi Arabia
ment and whether participation will be manda- and Russia, who pushed for more of a focus on
tory or voluntary. managing plastic scrap rather than capping pro-
duction or eliminating certain chemicals.
According to the U.N. Environment Programme
(UNEP), more than 3,300 delegates, including
52 PLASTICS NEWS August 2025
