After two years of negotiations, the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on the Global Plastics Treaty concluded in Busan, South Korea, without reaching an agreement, with discussions now delayed until 2025. The treaty aimed to establish the first legally binding global framework to address plastic pollution, but disagreements over key issues, including reducing plastic production, eliminating harmful plastic products, addressing chemicals of concern, and enhancing waste management, prevented consensus.

A significant divide emerged between major oil-producing nations and the High Ambition Coalition, which includes the EU, UK, Canada, and various African, Latin American, and Pacific countries, particularly over targets to cut primary plastic polymer production and bans on problematic products. Expressing deep disappointment, EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall emphasized the urgent need for action, warning that plastic production could triple by 2060 without intervention.

The EU stressed that the current trajectory—where less than 20% of plastic waste is recycled and plastic leakage into the environment is forecasted to triple—demands bold and immediate measures. Despite the lack of agreement, INC-5 achieved progress by drafting a foundational text for future negotiations, with over 100 countries aligning with the EU’s ambitions, and this support continues to grow. The EU pledged to lead by example, implementing measures such as single-use plastic bans, eco-design for sustainable products, and extended producer responsibility to combat pollution.

While preparations for further negotiations proceed, nations are urged to ramp up national efforts to reduce plastic pollution, as the global community works toward a long-overdue treaty to address the escalating environmental crisis.