Delegates from 179 nations have convened in Geneva, Switzerland, for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), from August 5 to 14, 2025. The primary objective of this critical meeting is to finalize a legally binding global treaty aimed at addressing the escalating crisis of plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle. The urgency of this endeavor is highlighted by the pervasive nature of plastic waste, which has infiltrated ecosystems worldwide, impacting human health and the global economy. Current global plastic production exceeds 460 million metric tons annually, with projections indicating a near tripling by 2060 if current trends persist. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the problem, only about 9% of plastic produced is effectively recycled, leading to significant health-related economic losses estimated at $1.5 trillion per year. Experts warn that recycling alone cannot solve this crisis.
The treaty negotiations are the culmination of a multi-year process initiated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2022, with previous sessions held in various locations including Punta del Este, Paris, Nairobi, and Ottawa, and most recently in Busan, South Korea, where prior discussions faced challenges. A central point of contention remains the treaty's scope, particularly the inclusion of measures to limit plastic production. Nations with significant fossil fuel industries, the primary source of most plastics, advocate for approaches focused on recycling and waste management. Conversely, a substantial bloc of countries, alongside environmental organizations like Greenpeace, are pushing for legally binding reductions in plastic production and the phasing out of specific single-use products. This divergence underscores the complex interplay between economic interests and environmental imperatives. Experts, such as Professor Richard Thompson, a leading marine litter specialist, emphasize the need for decisive action, calling for an ambitious agreement to protect future generations. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen has echoed this sentiment, stressing the necessity of systemic transformation to address the root causes of the pollution crisis.