Plastic production cap gets wave of new support at ocean conference

A group of 95 countries have reiterated their support for a target to reduce plastic production as part of the Global Plastics Treaty, by signing a ‘Nice wake-up call’ at the UN Ocean Conference.

The ‘Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty’ includes a call to reduce the production and consumption of plastic through a global target – a contentious issue that has so far been rejected by oil-producing nations.

The declaration was welcomed by NGOs and business groups as “the wake-up call the world needs”. 

Jodie Roussell, Global Public Affairs Lead - Packaging and Sustainability at Nestlé and Co-Chair of The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, said: “Global harmonisation is essential to solving the plastic pollution crisis. This ministerial statement sends a strong signal that governments are ready to commit to harmonised regulation for key elements that can drive consistency across borders, while supporting national ambitions.” 

The coalition added that the statement signed yesterday shows that countries, businesses and civil society are strongly aligned on the need for a comprehensive legally binding global agreement “that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics”. 

Statement needs to be ‘backed up by action’

Greenpeace also welcomed the declaration, with Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, commenting: “Governments are finally saying the quiet part out loud: we cannot end plastic pollution without cutting plastic production. Full stop. The Nice Declaration tackles the root cause of the crisis, which is the ever-growing, reckless production of plastics driven by fossil fuel giants. The message to industry lobbyists is loud and clear: the health of our children is more important than your bottom line.”

However, he warned that the statement needs to be backed up with action at the next INC-5.2 meeting, which is due to take place in Geneva from August 5 to 12.

“That means no voluntary nonsense, no loopholes, and no surrender to fossil fuel and petrochemical interests. We need a treaty with teeth—one that slashes plastic production, holds polluters accountable, and protects people on the frontlines,” Forbes said.

Civil society: ‘Don’t back down’

In reaction to the statement, 235 civil society organisations called for the declaration to be “a floor, not a ceiling”, and encouraged other UN member states to sign it.

Juressa Lee, co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Plastics, said: “The Nice Declaration is a welcome step, but words must be followed with actions if we are serious about protecting the rights and health of all. Member States must show decisive leadership at INC-5.2 and deliver a strong, legally binding plastics treaty that leaves no one behind.