New draft for global plastics pact seen as weaker by experts
A quietly released reference document for the stalled global plastics treaty has drawn sharp criticism for diluting ambition, according to leading scientists.
An unofficial reference document intended to revive the faltering global plastics treaty was released over the weekend, prompting condemnation from environmental experts. Chairman Julio Cordano of Chile clarified that the text is not a negotiated agreement but a balanced draft with contentious points bracketed. Richard Thompson, the marine biologist who coined "microplastics," noted the new version closely follows the rejected 2025 draft and is marginally weaker.
The Center for International Environmental Law’s David Azoulay warned the language undermines international legal efforts to curb plastic pollution. Negotiators from 185 countries remain divided, with oil-producing states such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia favoring a limited waste-management focus. An updated aid-to-negotiations document is slated after informal talks in Bangkok from Sept. 27-30, with formal UN Environment Programme negotiations set for March 2027.
Why it matters
The draft could shape future global rules on plastic production and waste, affecting environmental health and industry practices.
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