Current affairs 12th August 2025 By Right IAS
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Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations
Background Since 2022, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has led efforts to create a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution on land and in oceans. Negotiations are being held under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution.
Two Main Blocs High Ambition Coalition (HAC) Chaired by Norway and Rwanda. ~80 countries, including EU members. Pushes for production caps or cuts in plastic and its base polymers to contain pollution. Like Minded Countries (LMC) Includes Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, China, Cuba. Not a formal bloc but aligned as major petrochemical producers. Opposes production caps; supports waste management and behavioural change instead.
India’s Position India has aligned with LMC. Argues that capping primary polymer production would harm trade and supply, given plastic’s widespread utility. Supports focusing on waste management infrastructure and public awareness.
Negotiation Rules Decisions require near unanimous agreement majority voting not allowed. This makes resolving the rift between the blocs difficult. Trade Patterns in Plastics Asia dominates global trade in primary plastic polymers (ethylene, propylene, styrene & derivatives like polyethylene and PET). 11 exporters, 18 importers in Asia. USA is the largest exporter in North America; several European countries are both importers and exporters. Africa & South America: negligible trade volumes. In 2025, the US (not part of either bloc) refused to back any production cuts.
Industry Perspective All India Plastic Manufacturers Association opposes caps, citing unmet demand if alternatives are not available at scale. Advocates capacity building for waste management and anti-littering measures.
