Will Plastics Treaty Delays Slow Sustainable Manufacturing?
From 5 to 14 August 2025, representatives from countries worldwide convened for the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).
Their mission, as per the United Nations (UN), was to form "an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution."
Yet, despite the importance of these negotiations, an agreement remained elusive.
According to the UN, “the international push for consensus on a deal proved beyond the grasp of weary UN Member States,” with a plan to resume talks later.
Challenges amid complex dynamics
The meetings at the Palais des Nations, the home of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, saw 183 nations represented by over 2,600 delegates, including 1,400 country representatives and about 1,000 observers from over 400 organisations.
This assembly was not just about governmental discussions; civil society held a visible presence as well, with Indigenous Peoples, activists and scientists highlighting their causes through protests and other spirited demonstrations.
“This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges and multilateral strains,” says Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
“However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table.
“While we did not land the treaty text we hoped for, we at UNEP will continue the work against plastic pollution – pollution that is in our groundwater, in our soil, in our rivers, in our oceans, and yes, in our bodies.”
Focus on key negotiation topics
While real progress remained out of reach, the negotiations in Geneva focused on several critical areas.
These included the design of plastics, chemicals of concern, production caps, and financial and compliance instruments.
The UNEP acknowledged the "intensive engagement" within these focus areas, yet consensus was not achieved.
“Failing to reach the goal we set for ourselves may bring sadness, even frustration,” says Luis Vayas Valdivieso, INC Chair.
“Yet it should not lead to discouragement. On the contrary, it should spur us to regain our energy, renew our commitments and unite our aspirations.
“It has not happened yet in Geneva, but I have no doubt that the day will come when the international community will unite its will and join hands to protect our environment and safeguard the health of our people.”
Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, says: “As this session concludes, we leave with an understanding of the challenges ahead and a renewed and shared commitment to address them. Progress must now be our obligation.”
Sector responses and implications
Business leaders and NGOs offered valuable perspectives on the proceedings.
Raffi Schieir, Director of Prevented Ocean Plastic, says: “While global agreements like the UN plastics treaty are important, the breakdown of talks in Geneva confirms again that we cannot wait for politicians and legislation to care for our oceans and the communities most affected by plastic pollution.
“Every day, waste workers, recyclers and local entrepreneurs are already delivering impact and need support.
“The path forward is clear, now is the time to double down on scaling the solutions we already know work, keep building, keep collaborating and keep people at the heart of the solution.”
Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste & Business at the WWF, says: “It’s deeply disappointing to leave Geneva without meaningful progress once again.
“This breakdown in negotiations means the plastic crisis will continue unchecked, while the world waits for the urgent action it so desperately needs.
“The path forward is now uncertain, it's time to show that protecting people’s lives and the planet is non-negotiable."
Frederic Godemel, EVP of Energy Management at Schneider Electric, says: “Today, we’ve seen yet another round of talks on plastic pollution fail.
"Naturally, national interests are being protected, keeping the world dependent not only on plastic but on the unsustainable use of resources more broadly.
"We must take action for positive change. Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental crisis, it’s a systemic challenge threatening our resources, economies and health."
Perspectives on the path forward
“I deeply regret that, despite earnest efforts, negotiations to reach an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, concluded without achieving a consensus,” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
“I welcome the determination of Member States in continuing to work to beat plastic pollution and keep engaged in the process, united in purpose, to deliver the treaty the world needs to tackle this monumental challenge to people and the environment.”
Lauren Bevan, Head of Plastic Pollution Governance and Engagement at the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), wrote on LinkedIn: “I’m gutted that INC-5.2 ended this morning in deadlock, with no agreement and a draft text that was simply too weak to address the plastic crisis.
“It’s deeply disappointing that INC-5.2 ended without an agreement on plastic pollution.
“To come so close yet fall short is frustrating, especially when the problem is urgent and global solutions do exist.”
Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International, wrote on LinkedIn: “INC-5.2 was supposed to be a turning point, a moment for global leaders to chart a path toward ending plastic pollution.
“Instead, we walked away with no agreed text and no clear way forward.”
The INC process began in March 2022 when the UN Environment Assembly passed resolution 5.2 to develop a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
While INC-5.2 fell short of agreement, the determination to continue remains strong.
With INC-5.3 on the horizon, the challenge now is to overcome divisions and deliver on the global demand for a treaty that can finally confront plastic pollution with the urgency it requires.
