July 31, 2025 -
Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations Enter Critical Phase in Geneva
As world leaders gather in Geneva this week for the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), the international community faces a pivotal moment in the fight against plastic pollution. With stark new data revealing the scale of the crisis, pressure mounts to finalize a legally binding agreement by year’s end.
“Plastic consumption will exceed 500 million tonnes this year alone, with nearly 80% destined to become waste,” warned Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat. “Without immediate action, environmental plastic leakage could surge 50% by 2040, creating a $281 trillion economic burden.”
The negotiations, stemming from the landmark UNEA 5/14 resolution, seek to address the full lifecycle of plastics—from production and design to disposal. However, deep divisions persist among the 179 member states, particularly around:
- Production caps on virgin plastics
- Chemical transparency requirements for polymers
- Extended producer responsibility schemes
A 22-page “Chair’s Text” containing 32 draft articles serves as the negotiation baseline, though industry groups and environmental advocates remain at odds over key provisions. The color masterbatch sector watches closely, as potential material restrictions could reshape global polymer markets.