Overview

• The new draft text in Geneva omits any binding cap on virgin plastic production and contains no provisions on toxic additives, mentioning output only in its preamble.
• About 100 countries, led by Mexico, are pressing for phased production limits and legally binding chemical controls but face resistance from oil-exporting states, the United States and plastics industry lobbyists.
• Proposed articles instead emphasize reducing problematic single-use items, designing plastics for recyclability and strengthening waste management systems.
• U.S. diplomats reportedly circulated a memorandum urging allies to oppose production caps and chemical restrictions in favor of waste-management solutions.
• The INC-5.2 session is scheduled to close on August 14, leaving little time to resolve disagreements over finance, equity and enforceability.