The Global Plastics Treaty negotiations have reached a decisive political moment. The election of Chile’s Julio Cordano as Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) and the launch of a series of informal dialogues in Kyoto signal a renewed effort to rebuild trust and stalled momentum after failing to conclude negotiations in Geneva in August 2025.
Explore urgent strategies to deliver a strong global plastics treaty and end plastic pollution after stalled UN negotiations.
At the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in 2022, the world celebrated as resolution 5/14 was adopted, convening an intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. Since that high point, however, the process has steadily derailed. As we reflect on where we are and how to get where we need to be, in this briefing EIA experts outline the essential conditions for a successful resolution of the negotiations and recommendations for urgent course correction.
To deliver on the UNEA 5/14 mandate to promote sustainable production of plastics, which is supposed to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, negotiators will need to agree on a way forward. This briefing presents the justifications for addressing production and outlines the framework for implementation.
The story of textile waste is not just about discarded clothes – it’s about a global system that shifts the burden of pollution from rich nations to poorer ones under the guise of charity and recycling.
Establishing a clear vision for product design is essential to mitigate plastic pollution and reduce toxic exposure in line with resource efficiency and circular economy principles and the waste hierarchy. This briefing presents the benefits of a common global approach to product design and considerations for implementation within the treaty.