GENEVA — Negotiations aimed at establishing a global treaty to combat plastic pollution concluded without an agreement on Friday. The discussions, which lasted 11 days at the United Nations office, ended in disappointment as delegates failed to resolve key issues regarding plastic production and the regulation of toxic chemicals used in plastics.

Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, acknowledged the challenges faced during the talks but noted that “significant progress was made.” She emphasized that the process would continue, although it remains unclear how long it will take to finalize a treaty.

The Youth Plastic Action Network was the only organization to address the closing meeting, as comments from observers were cut off at the request of the United States and Kuwait after extensive negotiations. The U.S. and several oil-producing nations opposed proposals to limit plastic production or ban certain chemical additives, advocating instead for improvements in waste management and recycling efforts.

The Geneva talks were intended to produce the first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including measures to protect oceans. However, similar to a previous meeting in South Korea, the delegates left without a finalized agreement. Luis Vayas Valdivieso, chair of the negotiating committee, presented two drafts of the treaty text, but representatives from 184 countries could not agree on either draft as a basis for further negotiations.

Valdivieso stated that no further action would be proposed on the latest draft at this time. After a lengthy meeting, he concluded the session by banging a gavel made from recycled plastic bottle tops.

Many delegates expressed their frustration at the outcome. Representatives from Norway, Australia, and Tuvalu voiced their disappointment, with Madagascar stating that the world expects action rather than reports. European Commissioner Jessika Roswall remarked that while the draft did not meet their expectations, it could serve as a foundation for future negotiations. “The Earth is not ours only. We are stewards for those who come after us. Let us fulfill that duty,” she said.

China’s delegation described the fight against plastic pollution as a long-term effort, urging nations to collaborate for a cleaner planet. The primary contention during the talks revolved around whether to impose caps on new plastic production or to focus on enhancing product design and recycling initiatives. Many oil and gas-producing countries, along with the plastics industry, resisted production limits, advocating instead for a treaty centered on waste management and reuse.

Saudi Arabia criticized both drafts for lacking balance, while Kuwait and Saudi negotiators argued that the latest proposal did not adequately address their concerns. The draft acknowledged that current levels of plastic production and consumption are unsustainable and called for a coordinated global response.

The treaty's objective was revised to encompass a comprehensive approach addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, including reducing harmful chemicals and single-use products. However, many countries entered the talks with strict positions, or “red lines,” complicating the negotiation process.

Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke emphasized the need for compromise, stating, “To be very clear, a compromise means that we have to bend our red lines.” Iran expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency in the negotiations, particularly regarding chemical regulations.

The Global Partners for Plastics Circularity urged governments to move beyond entrenched positions to finalize an agreement that reflects shared priorities. For any proposal to be included in the treaty, consensus among all nations is required. Some countries have suggested changing the decision-making process to allow for voting if necessary.

Graham Forbes, head of the Greenpeace delegation, called for a new approach, stating, “We are going in circles. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result.” The International Pollutants Elimination Network remarked that the events in Geneva indicated that “consensus is dead.”

Despite the setbacks, the urgency of addressing plastic pollution remains. The world produces over 400 million tons of new plastic annually, a figure projected to increase by 70% by 2040 without policy changes. Approximately 100 countries are advocating for limits on production and addressing toxic chemicals in plastics.

Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, highlighted the importance of addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, stating, “The science has not changed. It cannot be down negotiated.”

Environmentalists, waste pickers, Indigenous leaders, and business executives attended the talks, seeking to amplify their voices. Many left feeling disappointed, with Indigenous leaders emphasizing the need for a treaty that recognizes their rights and knowledge. Frankie Orona, executive director of the Society of Native Nations, called for continued negotiations to secure a treaty that protects both people and the planet.