An agreement reached at the 175-nation Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC-5) for a globally binding rule on plastics in South Korea is in jeopardy, with some petrochemical nations strongly opposed to efforts to target plastic production limits.
Several delegates expressed frustration on Thursday, November 28, 2024, about the slow pace of talks amid disagreements over procedures, a multiplicity of proposals, and some talks going back to the beginning.
Luis Vayas Valdivieso, INC Chair, convened an informal meeting on Friday, November 29, 2024, to try to address the most divisive issues.
Issues such as curbing plastic products and chemicals, managing the supply of primary polymers, and financial mechanisms to help developing countries implement the agreement.
Petrochemical producing nations such as Saudi Arabia have strongly opposed efforts to target plastic production limits, despite protests from countries bearing the brunt of plastic pollution such as low- and middle-income countries.
The petrochemical industry has also been vocal in urging governments to avoid imposing mandatory plastic production limits. Instead, they focus on solutions to reduce plastic waste, such as recycling.
