Plastic Treaty Talks Failed Over Production Cuts

• European Union’s Hugo Schally expressed disappointment with the limited progress made in plastic treaty talks.

• Some delegates viewed the proceedings as a pretext for trade restrictions, economic agendas, and commercial competition disguised as environmental action.

• A sticking point was the push to set targets to cut virgin plastic polymer production, which was opposed by countries like Saudi Arabia and India.

• The draft version also set year-wise targets for phasing out single-use plastics, toys, and food products containing DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP.