After two years of discussion, negotiations on the global plastics agreement ended without agreement in Geneva. Most governments wanted a strong agreement. But a few prevented it.

The continuation of the fifth round of negotiations on a plastic convention in Geneva (INC-5.2) ended on August 15, 2025. Despite intensive negotiations, states were unable to agree on the text of a binding convention against plastic pollution. There was disagreement over, among other things, the extent to which the treaty should include a target for sustainable production and consumption of plastics, how to deal with plastic products that are problematic for human health and the environment, and how to implement financial support for the poorest countries.   

Switzerland regrets this result and intends to continue to work to strengthen international cooperation against plastic pollution. Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, Switzerland is pushing ahead with its national measures against plastic pollution. The revised Environmental Protection Act and the planned new Packaging Ordinance provide the basis for this.

Is the continuous increase in plastic production the cause of the crisis?

But Greenpeace Switzerland highlights another aspect: «This result is both disappointing and a relief. The current draft was a gift to the petrochemical industry and a betrayal to humanity. It perpetuated the myth that recycling is enough and concealed the real cause of the current crisis: the continuous increase in plastic production.»

Switzerland, too, has advocated in the negotiations for a tangible agreement covering the entire life cycle of plastic, from production to use to disposal. It regrets that no agreement could be reached in this round of negotiations. «Negotiations have not stopped, however, and Switzerland will now clarify with its partner countries the framework within which the talks can best be continued. It will continue to advocate that international cooperation against plastic pollution is strengthened in the future», says the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.

Negotiation process should change

Greenpeace Switzerland also calls for changes to the negotiations: «We cannot continue as before and hope for a different outcome. The negotiation process must change. The future of the planet and its inhabitants depends on it.»