Delegates from 179 nations gathered in Geneva from August 5–14, 2025 for the crucial sixth round of negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty, aimed at curbing the life‑cycle of plastic pollution from its production to disposal. Critics warn the talks are at the crossroads between ambition and dilution.

Over 100 countries, in alliance with civil society and environmental experts, are pressing for mandatory production cuts and the elimination of single-use plastics. Conversely, several fossil fuel-exporting nations—like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran favor approaches focused solely on waste management and recycling, resisting caps on new plastic supply.

Plastic production, which has surged from 2 million tons in 1950 to over 450 million today, is projected to nearly triple by mid-century. With less than 10% recycled, pollutants like microplastics now infiltrate oceans, mountains, and human tissues, posing mounting health risks including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Experts stress urgency: a legally binding treaty based on the High Ambition Coalition roadmap could cut global plastic pollution by over 80% by 2040, while creating economic and health benefits worth trillions. Delays or watered-down outcomes, they warn, risk locking in ineffective status-quo.

This moment may define whether the world can replicate the success of the Montreal Protocol transforming plastic governance with real targets or let entrenched interests stall progress again.