BIR: Talks on Global Plastics Treaty Could Grind to a Halt
Plastic Recycling | 2025-06-03 14:05:20
On the contrary, high ambition countries want the treaty to cover the entire life cycle of plastics.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has warned that the talks on the proposed global treaty on plastics could grind to a halt with no agreements being reached.
BIR Trade & Environment Director Alev Somer told the Plastics Division plenary session at the recent BIR Valencia Convention that the proposal would be up for further discussion in August of this year. In order to address plastic pollution on land and in the ocean, the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee has been debating the treaty since 2022.
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There are now two groups on the negotiating committee. Oil-producing and low-ambition nations believe that waste plastics should only be dealt with when they are nearing the end of their useful lives. Conversely, nations with great aspirations want the convention to address the full life cycle of plastics.
Ms. Somer sees very less chances of a binding treaty to be signed at the end of August session, unless there is a tremendous progress in negotiations. Meanwhile, the members of Secretariat working for the treaty warned of shortage of resources as well as budget to continue the negotiations, in case an agreement is not arrived at in August.
