Countries Discuss Global Treaty on Plastic

• Negotiations on the treaty regarding plastic are being delayed due to differences.
• Countries are discussing limitations on production and toxic chemicals.
• A new draft of the treaty is expected to be presented at the next round of negotiations.

Negotiations on the global treaty to combat plastic pollution are nearing completion, as countries remain in a deadlock over differences in the issues of production limitations for plastics.

As of September 14, 2025, at the negotiations taking place in Geneva, representatives of 184 countries are seeking to find common ground on the draft treaty. The latest draft, presented on September 13, does not include restrictions on the production of plastics or chemical substances used in plastic products. Instead, this document focuses on measures that include broad exemptions, such as reducing the quantity of problematic plastic products, improving waste management, and recycling.

Countries that are part of the negotiating coalition believe that the text is insufficiently robust and does not address the terms necessary to solve pollution problems. Norway, which is one of the leaders of this coalition, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach, including limitations on production.

Meanwhile, oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia are opposing restrictions on production, demanding a focus on waste management and recycling instead.

Representatives of countries that advocate for more ambitious actions expressed their dissatisfaction with the project, calling it insufficiently robust in combating plastic pollution. Among the countries that oppose production limitations, nearly 100 states emphasize the need to address the problem of toxic chemicals.

At the negotiations, which have already lasted 10 days, there is a thought that a possible second round of meetings may be necessary if an agreement cannot be reached. However, representatives from some countries, such as Fiji, have indicated they are ready to conclude negotiations with a formal agreement.

The next draft text is expected on Thursday, when negotiations are expected to conclude. Environmental organizations have called for delegates to use the last hours to achieve a meaningful agreement.

Tags: Ecology