Unexpected alliances form as UN plastic treaty faces major resistance

Negotiations on a UN treaty to end plastic pollution collapsed on August 15 as countries failed to agree on the draft’s core provisions. In resisting the implementation of the treaty, countries like Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States found themselves on the same side of this issue, with the latter attempting to convince other countries to reject the document.

The breakdown came after a ten-day summit at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Meant to be the final round after nearly three years of talks, Climate Home News points out that it followed earlier failed negotiations in Busan, South Korea.

Since 2022, the UN has hosted six rounds of discussions with roughly 190 countries, aiming to produce a treaty to "end plastic pollution." The plastics industry contributes 3.4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and production is set to nearly triple by 2060. With most plastics made from fossil fuels, production worsens climate change and poses health risks to local communities.

Denmark, attending as the current president of the EU Council, said a new draft presented on the morning of August 15 was "far more ambitious than the first draft that was presented some days ago," adding that it "shows us that it is possible to build the bridges."

Earlier versions had removed measures to reduce plastic production and hazardous chemicals. A revised text reintroduced some language, but consensus remains elusive.

Negotiators have clashed over regulating plastics globally, the legal force of any measures, production reduction targets, and funding mechanisms to implement the treaty.

Critics argue that the UN’s consensus-based approach allows a few opposing countries to block progress, rather than letting the treaty go to a vote.

Unexpected alliances emerge amid resistance to the treaty

Tensions spiked after a controversial draft released during the week was rejected by the EU and several dozen countries, including France, the UK, Colombia, Kenya, Canada, Panama, and Peru. Critics saw it as bowing to oil-rich nations — including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia — that have resisted any treaty limiting plastic production, focusing instead on recycling. Currently, less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled globally.

Reuters reported that the US, a top plastic producer, sent letters urging countries to oppose caps on production and chemicals.

"We will not support impractical global approaches such as plastic production targets or bans and restrictions on plastic additives or plastic products — that will increase the costs of all plastic products that are used throughout our daily lives," the memo said, according to Reuters.

The US also noted after a preliminary meeting in Nairobi from June 30 to July 2 that "we plainly do not see convergence on provisions related to the supply of plastic, plastic production, plastic additives or global bans and restrictions on products and chemicals, also known as the global list."

A State Department spokesperson added that each country should act according to its national context.

"Some countries may choose to undertake bans, while others may want to focus on improved collection and recycling," the spokesperson said.

By Nazrin Sadigova