Geneva plastics treaty talks collapse despite global call from financial institutions

15 August 2025 – Negotiations on a landmark global plastics treaty have ended without agreement, dealing a blow to efforts to curb plastic pollution worldwide. The collapse comes despite a united call from 180 financial institutions urging governments to agree on an ambitious, legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.

“The collapse of the plastics negotiations in Geneva is a big disappointment. It is a stark reminder that delaying action on plastic pollution carries a cost we cannot afford. Policymakers must now act locally to stop polluting. We will keep plastics firmly on our agenda, holding companies and governments accountable to protect biodiversity and public health,” said Anita de Horde, Executive Director, Finance for Biodiversity Foundation.

A missed opportunity

The negotiations, which aimed to secure an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) addressing the full life cycle of plastics — from production to disposal — stalled over disagreements on production caps and chemical regulation. Environmental advocates and many governments warn that without strong, enforceable measures, plastic pollution will continue to damage ecosystems, communities, and economies for decades.

“Most UN member countries worked very hard to draft an effective plastics treaty. However, for some others, economic interests are too high to yield. The UN now needs to find a better way of working to protect people and the planet effectively,” said Arthur van Mansvelt, Senior Engagement Specialist, Achmea Investment Management.

The financial sector’s call to action

180 financial institutions are urging governments to adopt ambitious measures, including clear policies and tools to guide responsible investment across the plastics value chain, reporting frameworks inspired by TNFD to drive transparency and capital toward circular solutions, extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to hold companies accountable, and public-private partnerships with blended finance to scale innovative approaches.

Next steps

With global talks stalled, the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation stresses that local and national action is now critical. Integrated policy and regulatory approaches are needed to tackle plastic pollution alongside the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

📄 Read the full joint finance sector call to governments here:
https://www.financeforbiodiversity.org/financial_institutions_unite_joint_call_to_governments_to_end_plastic_pollution/