Global Plastic Treaty Stalls Amid Production Limit Disputes

Talks in Busan, South Korea, aimed at establishing a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution ended without agreement, as 85 countries called for binding targets to cut plastic production. The negotiations stalled due to resistance from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, which opposed production cuts. Despite support from over 100 countries for legally binding reductions, the talks failed to bridge divisions. The EU and other high-ambition countries expressed disappointment but remain committed to pursuing a treaty with binding provisions. No date has been set for further negotiations.