Could a Global Plastic Treaty Actually Work?

Photo by Salya T on Unsplash

In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) agreed to forge a legally binding global treaty to address this pervasive problem across the entire lifecycle of plastics. The UNEA’s ambition is to create a framework that will finally turn the tide on the ever-increasing plastic waste. But ongoing negotiations reveal a complex web of challenges and opportunities. 

Since the UNEA’s resolution in 2022, negotiators representing over 175 countries have been working on the treaty’s framework. Key discussions cover production limits (capping or reducing virgin plastic production), waste management (improving recycling and waste infrastructure), chemical regulations: (such as banning hazardous additives in plastics) and corporate accountability (the role plastic producers should play in reducing pollution).

A successful global plastic treaty holds immense potential. It could establish a consistent global framework, preventing patchwork national regulations that can be confusing or create loopholes. This would create a level playing field for businesses and facilitate international cooperation on tackling transboundary plastic pollution. The treaty can also encourage the design of more durable and recyclable products, as well as promoting the development of robust recycling infrastructure.

But the treaty’s negotiation process is facing challenges. Disagreements persist between major plastic-producing nations and countries pushing for tougher regulations (such as the EU and the African Group of Negotiators). Production limits, corporate influence, waste management and scope are sticking points, with the added difficulty of agreeing on what qualifies as plastic pollution and the circular economy. The success of a global plastic treaty hinges on the willingness of stakeholders to compromise and prioritise long-term environmental sustainability over short-term economic interests.

A Global Plastic Treaty is possible, but for it to work it must hold polluters accountable and ensure all nations commit to enforceable targets. The next round of negotiations will be decisive in determining whether this treaty becomes a landmark environmental agreement or a missed opportunity. The last UNEA session (INC-5.1) took place in late 2024 in Busan, South Korea. The second part of this session (INC-5.2) will take place in August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.