Petrochemical Giants Are Derailing the Global Plastics Treaty – Just Days Before Final INC5.2 Negotiations – Greenpeace Australia Pacific

From Greenpeace International Media Release.

With just days to go before governments gather in Geneva for the final negotiations of the Global Plastics Treaty at INC5.2, a new Greenpeace report has exposed how some of the world’s biggest petrochemical companies are working behind closed doors to derail the process.

The report, Plastics, Profits and Power: How petrochemical companies are derailing the Global Plastics Treaty, reveals how seven major corporations  —  Dow, ExxonMobil, BASF, Chevron Phillips, Shell, SABIC, and INEOS  —  have ramped up plastic production by a staggering 1.4 million tonnes since treaty talks began in 2022.

That’s enough plastic to fill 6.3 million rubbish trucks—the equivalent of five and a half trucks every single minute.

These companies are not only profiting from this plastic explosion  —  they’re actively lobbying against meaningful regulation. Between them, they’ve sent 70 lobbyists to treaty negotiations, often hiding behind powerful industry front groups.

We all want to see a strong Global Plastics Treaty that turns the tide on plastic pollution. Our research shows that those with the most to lose from meaningful regulation are working hardest to obstruct it. We can’t allow the corporations who profit from plastic pollution to write the rules or we’ll end up with a toothless Treaty. It’s time to ban lobbyists from the talks and for UN Member States to stand firm and support a strong Treaty.

Anna Diski, Senior Plastics Campaigner and author of the report

Petrochemical Companies Blocking Progress for Profit

Dow alone has sent at least 21 lobbyists to negotiations whilst earning an estimated £3.4 billion from plastics production. The report also states that INEOS, the UK’s largest plastics producer, has raised production capacity by more than 20% and is investing £3.5 billion in Project ONE, set to become Europe’s biggest plastics plant in Antwerp, Belgium.

The report reveals the tactics used by lobbyists to dominate negotiations, influence delegates, and block progress. It also highlights the lobbying by powerful trade associations at the talks, pushing industry-friendly positions while shielding corporate members from scrutiny.

The Future of the Global Plastics Treaty Hangs in the Balance

This final round of negotiations, INC5.2, takes place in Geneva from 5-14 August. Greenpeace will be there with a global delegation from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, demanding that governments stand up to corporate influence and deliver legally binding cuts to plastic production.

Greenpeace is calling for:

• A 75% reduction in plastic production by 2040
• A strong conflict of interest policy in the Treaty to exclude industry lobbyists
• Prioritisation of those most affected by the plastics crisis in the negotiations, 

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tackle the plastics crisis at its source, but if we let fossil fuel giants dominate these talks, we’ll lose the chance to protect our oceans, our health and our climate. It’s time to act.

Anna Diski, Senior Plastics Campaigner and author of the report

What You Can Do

As INC5.2 approaches, pressure on decision-makers is critical. Share the report. Demand real action. And support Greenpeace’s global call to put people and planet over polluter profits.