Negotiators from 185 nations worked beyond Thursday's deadline and through the night in an ultimately futile search for common ground.

A large bloc wants bold action such as curbing plastic production, while a smaller clutch of oil-producing states want to focus more narrowly on waste management.

The stalemate was a resounding failure for the environment and for international diplomacy at a time when its frailties are in the spotlight.

Delegates speak after talks on a global treaty on combating plastic pollution were extended an extra day in Geneva Photo: Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP

Countries voiced anger and despair as the talks unravelled, but said they wanted future negotiations -- despite six rounds of talks over three years now having failed to find agreement.

"We have missed a historic

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