Global Plastics Treaty Talks Stall: Challenges and Next Steps

Plastic waste washed up on a beach in India.

The latest round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty, including marine plastics—known as INC 5.2—has exposed significant challenges in reaching consensus. While many analyses have already covered these talks, several observations about the process are worth highlighting.

Having missed the previous two INCs (INC-4 and INC-5), I approached INC 5.2 with a fresh perspective. I observed nearly every minute of the proceedings and noted points that may help guide future negotiations.

Plastics remain a global problem. Evidence of marine pollution, microplastics in humans and wildlife, and harmful chemicals in plastic production has prompted international action. In March 2022, the UN Environment Assembly authorized the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a global plastics treaty by 2024—an ambitious timeline many considered unlikely.

As of late 2025, six negotiation sessions have passed without an agreed treaty. UN member states remain divided. The “Like-Minded Group” prioritizes waste management and continued plastic production, while the “High Ambition Coalition” seeks a strong treaty covering the full lifecycle of plastics, including human health concerns.

Such divisions are not unprecedented in international environmental negotiations, but progress requires transparent, participatory processes. Despite multiple textual proposals, chair drafts, and preparatory work, the treaty remains unrealized.

Several factors may explain the stalemate:

Lack of intersessional activities – Both formal and informal trust-building measures are minimal, leaving gaps in understanding among delegations. Regional efforts could help bridge differences.

Limited transparency – Subsidiary groups and plenary sessions have often been brief or inconsistent, undermining confidence in the process.

Inconsistent facilitation – The chair, bureau, and secretariat were present but rarely visible or accessible. Reliance on informal negotiations created opacity.

Positions remain rigid – Both major coalitions are still holding early-stage positions despite the advanced negotiation stage, reflecting a lack of trust.

To move forward, several measures could help:

Establish a formal, transparent intersessional process, including regional and informal activities, even if it delays the next INC.

Conduct debriefs and lessons-learned sessions with participants to improve facilitation and identify compromises.

Seek reaffirmation of the original mandate from UNEA-7 and consider complementary resolutions to guide negotiations.

Implement internal intersessional processes with trusted facilitators to rebuild relationships and trust.

Allocate more plenary time in future sessions for updates, transparency, and engagement, especially for smaller delegations.

While challenges remain, the plastics industry is already moving forward at local and regional levels, often exceeding UNEA mandates. Even if a global treaty falters, clear commitments from regions like the EU and California will influence industry planning for decades.

The opportunity now is to find global compromises—potentially starting with a framework agreement similar to the Paris Climate Accord—to secure a sustainable future in plastics management. Without progress, negotiations risk a long-term stalemate.