The INC 5.2 negotiations for a legally binding international treaty on plastics ended on August 15, 2025, with no agreement. Disagreement by a handful of countries on plastics production and composition, or on health considerations led to a stalemate. Even though it may appear as a failure, what has been achieved over the last three years of negotiations is a real success. Our takeaway points are:
- 120 countries are now united around the content of an ambitious treaty that covers the full life cycle of plastics,
- With revised procedure rules in a future negotiation, these countries can lead the way to an ambitious treaty,
- Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of waste and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes on plastic waste were agreed as necessary items, but countries could not agree on making them mandatory. We hope the future negotiations can anchor ESM of waste as mandatory, as part of the full life cycle approach.
Summary INC 5.2
FSWP’s position
The French Solid Waste Partnership (FSWP) does not plan to attend this session in Geneva in person. However, we will continue to advocate for our position, which is outlined in an article published on our LinkedIn page and structured around three strategic pillars:
- Ban globally non-recyclable and non-essential plastics,
- Restrict plastics that offer no added value in terms of use, while promoting an alternative economy based on the 9Rs framework developed by Julian Kirchherr et al. in 2017,
- Support the development of circularity through a shift in the economic model.
Discover the Technical Note on EPR in the plastic treaty
As negotiations progress toward an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, many national focal points have called for clear and practical guidance on how to establish Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems. In response, the ISWA Working Group on Governance and Legal Issues has developed this technical note — an introductory roadmap outlining key steps and success factors for designing and implementing effective EPR schemes that can fulfil their potential in combating plastic pollution.
Read the Note
Understand transfer of plastic waste in aquatic environments
80% of marine waste comes from land-based activities. The aim of this Handbook is to raise awareness and inform those involved in the protection of aquatic ecosystems and waste management, as well as those less familiar with the issue, so that together they can make informed decisions and take concrete action. This manual covers all aspects of aquatic ecosystems: “From Source to Sea”, thanks to cases study from all over the world (Mekong, Europe, Togo, …).
Read the handbook
