What is the status of the global plastic pollution treaty negotiations?

The negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution have stalled, with countries failing to reach a consensus on the draft treaty presented.

What are the key differences between the countries involved in the plastic treaty talks?

The majority of countries want to see strict curbs on plastic production, while the "like-minded" group, led by oil-producing nations, are rejecting the proposed measures.

How are civil society groups reacting to the plastic treaty negotiations?

Civil society groups have expressed deep concerns that frontline communities and Indigenous people are being "sold out" in the effort to secure a treaty, even if it means compromising on the necessary measures.

Home / Environment / Talks Stall as Countries Clash Over Plastic Pollution Treaty

Talks Stall as Countries Clash Over Plastic Pollution Treaty

14 Aug

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Summary

Negotiations on a global plastic treaty continue amid warnings
Majority of countries want production caps, but oil-producing nations resist
Civil society groups fear being "sold out" for a weak agreement

Talks Stall as Countries Clash Over Plastic Pollution Treaty

As of August 15, 2025, negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution have reached a critical juncture. The latest round of talks in Geneva, which concluded on August 14th, saw countries fail to reach a consensus on the draft treaty presented by the event chair.

The ambitious countries, who want to see strict curbs on plastic production, have described the current proposal as a "lowest common denominator" and a toothless waste management instrument, as it lacks meaningful and legally binding measures to address the scale of the plastic crisis. In contrast, the "like-minded" group, led by oil-producing nations, have rejected the draft, saying it crosses too many of their red lines.

Civil society groups have expressed deep concerns that frontline communities, Indigenous people, and others suffering the worst impacts of plastic pollution are being "sold out" in the effort to secure a treaty, even if it means compromising on the necessary measures. They have urged countries to "hold the line" and ensure that the final agreement is truly impactful.

With time running out and the need for consensus between the majority of countries and the powerful minority of oil and plastic producers, some NGOs have "lost faith" in the process, fearing that a rush for a weak treaty would be a "disaster" for the planet.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.