The latest round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty (INC-5.2 in Geneva) has ended. And while many hoped for a historic breakthrough, especially on capping virgin plastic production, the talks closed without consensus.
What happened
- Over 100 countries, including the High Ambition Coalition, pushed for binding measures across the full plastics lifecycle, from design to disposal.
- Petro-states and major producers resisted, favouring voluntary actions and end-of-life solutions like recycling.
- With the UN process requiring consensus, just a handful of countries were able to stall the entire treaty.
The outcome? No agreement, no cap, no binding rules.
Why it matters
This is more than frustrating, it shows how broken the system is. We’re facing a plastic crisis that threatens ecosystems, human health, and the climate, yet the process allows a minority, backed by powerful lobbies, to block change.
But this isn’t the full story.
Signs of progress
- Momentum from the many: Most nations still want stronger rules, including production caps and phase-outs of harmful plastics.
- Shifting industry voices: Global businesses and coalitions are calling for clarity and binding standards, not just voluntary pledges.
- Growing public demand: When I shared my frustration about censorship around plastics campaigns, the post went viral. Thousands of people agreed that this issue can’t keep being swept under the rug. INC-5.2 showed us the same thing: the public wants action, most countries want action, but the system is stacked against it.
- Alternatives emerging: Discussions around moving away from consensus, regional coalitions, or breakaway agreements are gaining traction.
Where we go from here
The treaty process may be stuck, but the momentum for change isn’t. Governments, businesses, campaigners, and communities all have a responsibility to keep pushing—inside and outside the UN system.
If INC-5.2 showed us anything, it’s that waiting for consensus won’t be enough. We’ll need creativity, courage, and collective action to break the deadlock.
Because while the system may be broken, the movement is not. And that’s where the hope lies.
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At Jory&Co, we believe creativity has a role to play in unlocking these global challenges. If you’re working on climate, conservation, or social impact and want to spark change with your communications, we’d love to talk.
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