UN plastic pollution treaty talks extend during deep divisions

Talks at the United Nations in Geneva to establish a global legally binding treaty on plastic pollution went into overtime on Thursday, with discussions adjourned to Friday.

Delegates faced sharp disagreements over how far the treaty should go, particularly regarding limits on plastic production and measures to address the full life cycle of plastics—from polymer production to waste disposal and impacts on health.

Luis Vayas Valdivieso, chair of the International Negotiating Committee (INC), which was set up by the UN Environment Agency (UNEA) in 2022, informed delegates that negotiations would continue after the scheduled meeting time ended.

States such as Panama, Kenya, Britain, and the European Union criticised the draft text, noting that key provisions had been removed, while oil-producing nations resisted restrictions on virgin plastics derived from petroleum, coal, and gas.

European Union Commissioner Jessika Roswall called a 'weak, static agreement' ineffective, stressing the need for a treaty that covers the full life cycle of plastics and evolves with science.

Panama labelled the draft text 'repulsive,' demanding a complete rewrite, while Saudi Arabia emphasised that agreement depends on clarifying the treaty’s scope.

Norwegian Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen urged compromise among all parties to create a balanced package, and some industry representatives, such as Ross Eisenberg of America’s Plastic Makers, expressed cautious optimism.

Meanwhile, Colombian lawmaker Juan Carlos Lozada cautioned that a weak deal could be worse than no deal at all.

Around 300 businesses, including Unilever, called for an ambitious treaty to harmonise global rules, warning that insufficient coordination could increase costs and fragmentation.

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