New plastic treaty document criticized for weaker ambition

A new draft document aimed at reviving talks on a global plastics treaty is being criticized for being less ambitious than previously rejected proposals, according to a leading marine biologist. The informal reference document, released after negotiations in August 2025 fell apart due to opposition from oil-producing nations, appears to have taken a more balanced approach to contentious issues, according to its chair, Julio Cordano.

However, marine biologist Richard Thompson warns that the text may be even weaker than the draft rejected a year ago. Thompson argues that the treaty's failure to impose legally binding limits on plastic production could have severe consequences for both present and future generations. Environmental groups have also expressed strong criticism, with the Center for International Environmental Law condemning the document for failing to address the urgent problem of plastic pollution.

Negotiations involving 185 countries have been unable to reach an agreement between those advocating for significant production reductions and a smaller group of oil-producing states that prefer to focus on waste management. Thompson also expresses concern over the exclusion of independent scientific observers from the decision-making process, suggesting that this contributes to mistrust among negotiators.

The next step in the process is an informal round of talks in Bangkok from September 27 to 30, followed by formal negotiations scheduled for March 2027.