Negotiations in Geneva in mid-August 2025 to create a global treaty on plastic pollution ended without agreement. Delegates from almost 100 countries supported limits on plastic production, but large oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United States, opposed these limits. They argued that such measures would harm economic stability and industrial growth. Instead, they promoted recycling, reuse, and new product design as alternatives. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that the world now produces more than 400 million tons of plastic each year, and without major reforms, production could increase by 70 percent by 2040. Data from the United Nations showed that plastics produced about 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, which was around 3.4 percent of global emissions.

Experts said recycling continues to be a major challenge. According to the OECD, only 6 percent of plastic is successfully recycled, mainly because of differences in chemical composition and design. In contrast, paper, cardboard, and steel have much higher recycling rates. Environmental groups said plastic recycling is expensive, inefficient, and harmful to nearby communities due to pollution from processing plants. Industry leaders supported what they called an “all-of-the-above approach,” which includes stronger recycling systems and material innovations. However, critics warned that recycling still requires virgin plastic and can release microplastics. Specialists emphasized that real solutions should include reducing production, expanding reusable products, and redesigning packaging. Some alternatives, such as seaweed-based materials, show potential but remain limited in use.