Australian Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek expressed disappointment after U.N. members failed to reach a global agreement on plastic pollution at the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5).
Members representing more than 170 nations negotiated two documents by INC Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso in Busan, South Korea, but did not reach a deal and will resume the talks next year.
The INC comes after U.N. members endorsed a resolution in 2022 called End Plastic Pollution to forge a legally binding agreement by this year.
The anticipated legally binding instrument would reflect various alternatives to address the full lifecycle of plastics, the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need for improved international collaboration to facilitate access to technology, capacity building, and scientific and technical cooperation.
“I’m disappointed that negotiators didn’t reach an agreement at the plastic pollution treaty talks in the Republic of Korea this past weekend,” said Plibersek.
“Australia came with ambition to finalise a strong global treaty, and we’ve played a key role throughout these negotiations.”
Plibersek noted that Australia has been keen on resolving plastic pollution with its initiatives to boost domestic recycling capacity, eliminating single-use plastics, and transforming packaging regulations.
She warned that experts have predicted plastic in oceans could outweigh fish by 2050, with plastic production expected to triple by 2026. Addressing the issue also remains crucial for Pacific Island countries.
Similarly, both the United States and the European Union expressed disappointment but said they remain committed to come up with an agreement.
“While we were disappointed we were unable to reach an agreement, our team leaves this negotiation proud of the ambitious, full-lifecycle approach we brought to Busan—and is resolved to make more progress in the next stages of this negotiation,” said the U.S. Office of the Spokesperson.
“I strongly regret that there is no agreement on a new global plastics treaty. If business as usual continues, plastic production will triple by 2060. The EU will remain firmly committed to finding a global solution. Our oceans, our environment and citizens around the globe need it,” said Jessika Roswall, U.S. Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
Roswall noted that major oil-producing nations and regions including the EU, the UK, Canada, and many Latin American and Pacific countries could not finalise an agreement on a possible target regarding reducing primary plastic polymers production and banning and restricting chemicals of concern in plastic products.
“The EU will continue to lead by example, implementing key EU legislation, including on single-use plastics, eco-design for sustainable products, extended producer responsibility, waste management and others,” said the EU.
