Civil society warns industry influence stalling plastics treaty

NC-5.2 of the Global Plastics Treaty adjourned on August 15 without consensus, drawing strong criticism from civil society.

The session, convened by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), brought together 184 countries for over ten days of negotiations to develop a legally binding instrument to address global plastic pollution. However, talks broke down after a draft text presented on 13 August by INC Chair Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador was rejected by nearly 200 delegations for failing to reflect key demands such as binding targets for plastic production reduction, clear commitments to chemical and reuse systems, and strong provisions for human health, just transition, and human rights.

The text excluded critical issues, such as chemicals and reuse systems, and contained no provisions to reduce plastic production. It also weakened language on human health, just transition, and human rights. It also removed a mechanism that allowed countries to vote when consensus could not be reached, raising concerns over future deadlocks.

"INC-5.2 was meant to be a decisive step toward a historic agreement to end plastic pollution. Instead, the talks collapsed as fossil fuel and petrochemical interests, backed by aligned petro-states, worked aggressively to derail progress," said Siddika Sultana, Executive Director of the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO).

Dr Shahriar Hossain, member of the Bangladesh delegation, added: "The issue of plastic pollution is not just an environmental concern; it's a humanitarian crisis. As a country heavily dependent on waterways, Bangladesh witnesses the destructive impact of plastic waste on a daily basis. We must reach a consensus to secure a sustainable future."

Bangladesh pressed for binding targets to reduce plastic production, the adoption of circular economy principles, and stronger financial and technological support for developing nations. The delegation also shared national grassroots initiatives in waste management and recycling as possible models for others.

The urgency of a strong plastics treaty is especially visible in Bangladesh, where plastic-clogged drains have worsened monsoon flooding, killing at least 30 people this year and affecting millions.

Civil society coalitions, including IPEN, Break Free From Plastic, and GAIA, have warned that industry lobbying—led by at least 234 registered representatives—threatens to undermine ambition on production cuts and chemical controls. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasised that "inaction is not a neutral choice," urging all countries to act decisively and immediately to secure a strong and effective plastics treaty for current and future generations.

Despite the deadlock, the Bangladeshi delegation's active role was hailed as a positive force in advancing global solidarity. The world must now unite and push for decisive breakthroughs in the next session to secure a robust, enforceable plastics treaty that delivers lasting change.