A Stalled Negotiation, an Urgent Problem

In August 2025, a Lancet article warned that plastic pollution alone was responsible for health-related economic losses exceeding US$1·5 trillion annually. (1)

Plastic pollution manifests in two forms. The visible form includes bottles, bags, and packaging that accumulate in rivers, coastlines, and landfills.

Collecting recyclable plastic from the Citarum River in West Java, Indonesia, last year. Image by Algi Febri Sugita, iStock, 2024.

The less visible form, microplastics and nanoplastics, consists of tiny fragments that enter soils, oceans, the air, and the food we consume. The smallest nanoplastics can infiltrate human cells and tissues, raising important concerns for both biodiversity and human health. Some micro- and nanoplastics are intentionally produced for use in pesticides, fertilizers, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and coatings, contributing to direct exposure. This often-overlooked but significant challenge underscores the urgency of establishing a global plastics treaty, as the situation continues to grow increasingly complex and difficult to manage. (2)

After ten days of intensive discussions at the most recent International Negotiation Conference (INC-5.2) in Geneva, the negotiations concluded without consensus. Differences remain among countries: some advocate for a full life-cycle approach, addressing plastics from production and chemicals to waste in line with the UNEA mandate, while others prefer a narrower focus on plastic waste management. Financing was another key area of divergence. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) called for a dedicated global fund, supported by wealthier nations that they view as having greater responsibility, whereas developed countries favored utilizing existing mechanisms such as voluntary contributions and public–private partnerships

At the heart of the impasse, the discussions, bilateral, and multilateral conversations to agree on a draft text failed to bridge these divides or find common ground for a truly comprehensive treaty. It neither limits plastic use to what is necessary nor charts a clear path toward safer materials free of chemicals and a toxic-free circular economy: the shift urgently needed to match the scale of the crisis.

Essential Outcomes of a Global Plastic Treaty

Transitioning toward more sustainable designs, responsibly reducing production, and strengthening waste management systems are essential steps for addressing this challenge effectively. These measures help prevent plastics from entering rivers, soils, and oceans, as well as from polluting the air through open burning. However, waste management on its own cannot resolve the crisis. Without sustainable design and responsible production practices, even the most advanced waste management systems will eventually be strained, further contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution. (4)

This is why a comprehensive treaty is urgently needed: one that addresses not only waste management but the entire life cycle of plastics. Addressing plastic pollution at its source and protecting both people and ecosystems requires a comprehensive approach. This includes managing upstream factors such as production levels, the use of harmful or unnecessary chemicals, and product design. Equally important is enhancing downstream collection and recycling systems, guided by circular economy principles.

Within a comprehensive life-cycle framework, approaches such as ‘sustainable by design’, circular economy principles, and extended producer responsibility provide a clear path forward. Products, packaging, and materials should be produced, used, and disposed of in ways that protect human health and the environment, free from hazardous chemicals, and intentionally designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled. By ensuring plastics are circular and non-toxic from the outset, countries can prevent pollution, reduce waste, and support the transition toward safer and more sustainable alternatives.

The private sector also has an important role to play by adopting voluntary measures, including extended producer responsibility and the polluter-pays principle. At the same time, international cooperation is crucial. A dedicated global fund could help ensure that low- and middle-income countries have the resources needed to respond swiftly and equitably. (5)

Looking Ahead

While negotiations may have faced challenges, the problem remains, as does the urgent need for decisive action.

GAHP trusts the next round of discussions will progress efficiently and foster dialogue across sectors to address this important issue. Establishing clear priorities is essential: reducing plastic production, eliminating harmful chemicals, promoting sustainability by design, encouraging innovation for safer alternatives, and ensuring that all countries, particularly low- and middle-income nations, have access to the resources needed to implement effective measures

A truly comprehensive treaty that addresses the issue across the entire life cycle of plastics is essential to protect human health, preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystem balance, and begin reversing the impacts of toxic plastic pollution. 

Written by Emily Pham, GAHP Social Media Manager
Technical supervision: Dr. Lilian Corra, GAHP Senior Advisor
Edited by Sofia Lopez, GAHP Programme & Administration Associate

Citation Sources:

1. Landrigan, Philip J., et al. “The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics.” The Lancet, published 3 Aug. 2025, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01447-3.

2. United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP). “Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy.” United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), 16 May 2023, https://www.unep.org/resources/turning-off-tap-end-plastic-pollution-create-circular-economy. Accessed 20 August 2025.

3. Earth Negotiations Bulletin. “2nd Part of the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-5.2).” Summary report, 5–15 August 2025, Earth Negotiations Bulletin, 17 August 2025, https://enb.iisd.org/plastic-pollution-marine-environment-negotiating-committee-inc5.2-summary . Accessed 19 August 2025.

4. Kaufholz, Christian, et al. “Circular Industry Solutions for a Global Plastics Treaty.” World Economic Forum, World Economic Forum, May 2024, https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Circular_Industry_Solutions_2024.pdf . Accessed 19 August 2025

5. Global Plastic Action Partnership. “Global Plastics Treaty.” Global Plastic Action Partnership, https://www.globalplasticaction.org/globalplasticstreaty . Accessed 19 August 2025