Why did the Global Plastics Treaty fail? Summary
- Treaty talks involving 183 countries ended without legal agreement
- Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever expressed disappointment over failed negotiations
- Food industry hoped treaty would limit virgin plastic and boost recycling
- Fragmented regulations increase business costs and hinder sustainable investment
- Talks will resume, with stakeholders still committed to global plastics action
Food powerhouses Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever are among those left reeling after negotiations failed to finalise a global treaty on plastic pollution.
The treaty had been years in the making, concluding with 10 days of negotiations described as “hard fought”.
But ultimately, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, the 1,400 member delegates from 183 countries were unable to agree on a legally binding text to tackle plastic pollution.
It’s not the result the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was hoping for. “Failing to reach the goal we set ourselves may bring sadness, even frustration,” says INC chair ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso.
Food giants dismayed at plastics treaty outcome
Some big-name food manufacturers, too, are disheartened. A global treaty on plastic pollution would have challenged the food industry to rethink plastic packaging, likely by limiting virgin plastic use and boosting packaging recyclability.
Now, the absence of harmonised regulations across the full lifecycle of plastics means there’s still no level playing field. “Harmonised regulations are essential to reduce business complexity and cost, whilst also increasing confidence to invest in solutions,” says Unilever’s Rebecca Marmot, chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer.
Nestlé agrees, with global public affairs lead for packaging and sustainability, Jodie Roussell, stressing that voluntary efforts are not enough. The current fragmented regulatory landscape results in increased costs and complexity for business, she says.
Negotiations failed, but will be resumed
Although these negotiations failed, the INC has pledged to resume negotiations at an unspecified date in the future.
The INC’s Valdivieso says the outcome should not lead to discouragement. “On the contrary, it should spur us to regain our energy, renew our commitments, and unite our aspirations.”
Food makers also see reason for optimism. For Unilever, alignment between different stakeholders – from governments to business and civil society groups – calling for a plastics treaty is encouraging. “We will continue our efforts to tackle plastic pollution and stand ready to support governments to deliver globally coordinated regulations,” says Unilever’s Marmot.
Although the next steps are uncertain, the INC remains confident the outcome doesn’t signal a definitive end to a potential global treaty.
“As this session concludes, we leave with an understanding of the challenges ahead and a renewed and shared commitment to address them,” says INC Secretariat executive secretary Jyoti Mathur-Filipp.
“Progress must now be our obligation.”
How can packaging innovation move the dial on plastic pollution?
Find out at FoodNavigator’s Climate Smart Food broadcast series.
This free webinar series helps food and beverage manufacturers tackle climate risk with real-world strategies – from smart farming and resilient ingredients to low-impact packaging and emissions reduction.
Hear from industry leaders and innovators sharing practical tools and insights tohelp future-proof your supply chain.
Registration is free and open now.
