Global plastic treaty negotiations face division over production limits

Negotiations for a global treaty to combat plastic pollution face significant hurdles as diplomats prepare for upcoming discussions in Geneva. While the United Nations-led effort aims to establish measures to reduce single-use plastics, consensus remains elusive among member states.

At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, representatives from Pacific island nations emphasized the direct impact of plastic pollution on their oceans. Julio Cordano, president of the intergovernmental negotiating committee, noted the importance of incorporating the perspectives and concerns of these island nations into the treaty process.

In contrast, India’s negotiating position has been characterized by a focus on downstream measures, such as recycling and reuse, rather than limits on plastic production. Reports indicate that India’s approach has been heavily influenced by industry lobbying and government departments, including the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. This stance, which argues that manufacturing restrictions could threaten millions of workers, contributed to a stalemate during previous negotiations in Busan.