Geneva (15 August 2025) – The following may be attributed to Marco Mensink, council secretary of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and director general of Cefic, speaking on behalf of the Global Partners for Plastics Circularity (GPPC):
“GPPC appreciates the tireless efforts of negotiators to reach an agreement at INC-5.2. While not concluding a global agreement to end plastic pollution is a missed opportunity, we continue to support efforts to reach an agreement that works for all nations and can be implemented effectively.
“Our global coalition of plastics and chemical manufacturers remains committed to supporting a treaty that keeps plastics in the economy and out of the environment by advancing a circular economy—designing products for reuse and recycling, collecting them at end of life, and remaking them into new products. Across every region, our members are investing in the infrastructure, technologies, and design changes needed to make plastics more reusable, recyclable, and less likely to become pollution.
“Negotiators have already found common ground on critical elements that can form the backbone of an agreement to reduce plastic pollution, accelerate a circular economy, and expand waste collection to the 2.7 billion people who currently lack it.
“But deep divisions remain, and it is time to overcome them. Governments have been focused on the same core issues since this process began. They must move past entrenched positions and work together in a spirit of compromise to finalize an agreement that reflects shared priorities.
“The world cannot afford failure—this agreement is the best chance for the world to tackle plastic pollution at a global scale.
“A balanced, and implementable agreement when the negotiations resume would mark a historic achievement for the environment, global economy, and particularly for the communities most affected by plastic pollution.”