UN Plastic Treaty Talks Face Stalemate Over Production Caps and Lobbying Pressure

Negotiations in Busan, South Korea, are hindered by divisions over addressing the full lifecycle of plastics and the influence of fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists.

The fifth and final round of UN-led negotiations on a global plastics treaty is underway in Busan, South Korea, aiming to finalize a legally binding agreement to combat plastic pollution.
Sharp disagreements persist over whether the treaty should impose caps on plastic production or focus solely on recycling and waste management improvements.
A record number of 220 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists are present at the talks, outnumbering key delegations and raising concerns about their influence on the treaty's outcome.
Developing nations and Pacific island states are pushing for stricter production limits, citing the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on their environments and economies.
Scientists and environmental advocates warn that recycling alone cannot solve the crisis, emphasizing the need for production cuts to address health risks linked to microplastics and chemical exposure.