Negotiations at the Global Plastic Treaty collapsed on Friday after a final, early morning scramble failed to reach an agreement.
Why did it fail?
Because virtually all plastics are made from fossil fuels, which remain the biggest source of income for petrochemical-dominated countries and corporations.
At the 2024 Plastics Treaty, more than 220 fossil fuel lobbyists attended—the single largest delegation. Their mission? To block meaningful legislation and protect the profits of the plastic industry.
Instead of slowing production, these corporations ramped it up—by 1.4 million tonnes—with the top 15 producers spending an additional $43 billion in subsidies to flood the market with cheap plastics. As a result, plastic remains cheaper and more widely available than most plastic-free alternatives.
Who blocked the deal?
The negotiations officially failed on Friday, 15 August 2025, as countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Malaysia, and Iran pushed for an agreement focused on waste management—rather than reducing plastic production at its source.
This is alarming, because:
- Only 9% of plastics are recycled globally.
- It’s cheaper to produce new plastic than recycle existing waste.
- According to the OECD, global plastic production is forecast to triple by 2060 to 1.2 billion tonnes, with plastic waste exceeding the same amount.
The good news: local action is working
While international negotiations falter, many countries, communities, and citizens are taking matters into their own hands.
Europe is leading the way, with France at the forefront. Since 2022, France (and much of Europe) has banned single-use plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables. The country has committed to eliminating all single-use plastics by 2040.
What you can do today
Don’t underestimate the impact of your daily choices. Every switch adds up:
- ♻️ Rinse and prep recycling: Wash containers, remove labels and lids where possible before placing them in the bin.
- 🍎 Choose unpackaged produce: Skip plastic bags and packaging—just place fruit and vegetables directly on the scale, then into a paper, cotton, or hessian bag.
- 🥛 Switch to glass storage: Gradually replace plastic containers with glass fridge storage.
- 🚰 Ditch plastic water bottles: Studies show they are the single biggest source of nanoplastics entering the human body.
- 🌱 Shop plastic-free: Buy from bulk and wholefood stores such as Source, Scoop, and others that encourage refill systems.
Final thought
The Global Plastic Treaty may have stalled, but the fight isn’t over. Change starts in our homes, shopping bags, and daily habits. Together, we can reduce plastic dependence and create a healthier future for people and the planet.