By Abdullahi Lukman
As the Plastics Treaty negotiations near their conclusion on August 14, over 80 countries—mainly from the African Group of Negotiators—have endorsed a proposal from Switzerland and Mexico calling for global controls on hazardous plastic chemicals.
The proposal has gained strong backing from the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), a global coalition of NGOs, and its Nigerian member organization, SRADeV.
The Swiss-Mexican proposal outlines measures to protect human health and the environment by introducing legally binding obligations on harmful plastic chemicals.
These include the creation of a global list of hazardous substances, mechanisms for updating this list as scientific evidence evolves, and transparency requirements for chemicals found in plastic products.
Supporters argue that such provisions are in line with successful precedents set by the Stockholm and Basel Conventions.
Despite growing momentum among many nations, the negotiations have been hampered by slow progress and procedural challenges.
A key turning point came during the stocktaking plenary on August 8, when some countries pushed for a vote to bypass consensus—a move intended to overcome resistance from a few oil-producing states accused of obstructing the treaty process.
“The negotiation process is broken. We are in damage-control mode, especially with the failure to move to a vote. The process remains uncertain,” said Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria.
He emphasized that the current negotiation text remains cluttered with unresolved language and bracketed disagreements, limiting the likelihood of a strong outcome.
IPEN has also raised concerns about limited access for observers and stakeholders, including scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and labor representatives.
The group criticized the closed-door nature of discussions, arguing that those most affected by plastic pollution are being sidelined.
“As the negotiations continue, we urge delegates to remember the mandate: to end plastic pollution and protect human health and the environment throughout the full life cycle of plastics,” said Yuyun Ismawati, IPEN Co-chair and Co-founder of the Nexus3 Foundation in Indonesia.
With global plastic production projected to triple in the coming decades, environmental advocates argue that the only effective path forward is to reduce production and regulate toxic chemicals comprehensively.
While the current proposal marks a significant step, IPEN has called for broader coverage that addresses plastic pollution across its entire life cycle, not just in end products.
“We stand committed to holding negotiators accountable for a treaty that delivers the health protections we all need and deserve,” said Pamela Miller, IPEN Co-chair and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics.
As the final days of negotiations unfold, attention is focused on whether delegates can overcome political gridlock and agree on a strong, legally binding treaty to combat the global plastics crisis.
