The negotiations are part of a worldwide effort to curb growing plastic pollution. A binding agreement is expected this year.
A key point of discussion is setting a maximum for new plastic and a minimum for more recycled packaging. Several countries advocate for strict regulations, but other delegations want to try voluntary agreements first.
One of the major stumbling blocks is the price ratio between new and recycled plastic. In many countries, it is financially more attractive to produce new plastic than to collect, clean, and process old plastic. This economic gap causes investments in recycling companies to lag behind or even be halted.
Furthermore, recycling is not the only factor in plastic reuse. Increasingly, there is also a focus on biodegradable plastics for packaging.
The environmental damage from plastic pollution continues to rise worldwide. Plastic litters beaches, accumulates in rivers and oceans, and is found in animals. Microplastics, tiny particles formed from wear and breakdown, also spread through air, water, and food chains, with unknown consequences for humans and nature.
The annual costs for collecting, sorting, and processing plastic packaging amount to billions globally. Municipalities, waste processors, and producers complain about the high costs, which are rarely fully recovered. Many recycling factories therefore operate at a loss, leading to closures or delays in new investments.
A possible solution being considered in Europe is the introduction of a tax on the production of new plastic. This measure aims not only to reduce consumption but also to improve the competitive position of untaxed recycled plastic. The measure is currently under review but has not yet been finalized.
Despite differences in visions between countries, there is broad recognition that addressing the plastic crisis is urgently needed. Delegations agree that the current use of plastic is unsustainable, both economically and ecologically. The question is whether the conference can generate enough political will and unity to reach concrete, enforceable agreements.