15 Aug 2025, 09:13
Plastic production is not limited, but they are calling for action
- Negotiations regarding the plastic agreement continue without agreement.
- The new project does not limit production, but recognizes its non-sustainability.
- Countries are discussing toxic chemicals in plastic production.
In Geneva, negotiations are ongoing regarding the conclusion of an agreement to combat plastic pollution. The latest draft of the agreement does not foresee limitations on plastic production, but acknowledges that potential levels of production and consumption are "uncontrolled."
Negotiations are taking place within the framework of the 11th day of meetings of representatives of 184 countries. The main super issue concerns whether the agreement should limit the growth of plastic production or focus on improving design, recycling, and reuse. Powerful oil and gas producing countries, as well as the plastic industry, oppose limitations on production.
Along with the new project, globally more than 400 million tons of new plastic is produced annually, and without political changes, this figure could increase by 70% by 2040. Nearly 100 countries oppose limitations on production.
Delegates are also discussing the issue of toxic chemicals that are used in plastic production. In the new draft of the project, there was a mention of reducing the amount of plastic products that contain "hazardous substances that pose a threat to human health or the environment."
Although negotiations were supposed to be completed, work on the new project continues. Earlier, the project drew criticism from many countries, which believe it is insufficiently ambitious.
Tags: Ecology