{"id":8471,"date":"2025-07-29T01:51:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T05:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=8471"},"modified":"2025-07-29T01:51:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T05:51:06","slug":"packaging-rules-could-tighten-under-global-plastics-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=8471","title":{"rendered":"Packaging rules could tighten under global plastics deal"},"content":{"rendered":"


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As attention turns to Geneva in August, the sector is watching closely to see how global commitments may redefine the future of packaging. \/ Credit: triocean via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

A renewed round of global talks on a legally binding plastics treaty is due in Geneva this August, prompting the packaging industry to evaluate potential impacts.<\/p>\n

The resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC\u20115.2) will confront key issues such as production limits, chemical controls and waste\u2011management rules that directly affect packaging manufacturers, brand owners and recyclers.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s at stake for the packaging industry<\/h2>\n

The global plastics treaty is intended to regulate the life cycle of plastics\u2014from design and production through disposal\u2014placing packaging at centre stage.<\/p>\n

Packaging accounts for about 158 million tonnes, or nearly 41%, of plastics entering use annually.<\/p>\n

The outcome of INC\u20115.2 may introduce caps on virgin plastic production, stricter rules for additives (e.g. PFAS) and extended producer responsibility mechanisms\u2014measures expected to reshape packaging supply chains and design strategies.<\/p>\n

Negotiation deadlock and persistent corporate influence<\/h2>\n

During the first part of the fifth session in Busan (25 November\u20131 December 2024), negotiators failed to reach consensus.<\/p>\n

Divisions remain between countries pushing for strong production limits and those resisting binding commitments, particularly oil\u2011producing states and petrochemical actors.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Investigations reveal heavy lobbying by petrochemical and packaging industry groups in prior sessions, with scientists and civil society actors reporting intimidation and under\u2011resourced participation.<\/p>\n

How packaging businesses are preparing now<\/h2>\n

Packaging firms and brand owners are increasingly assessing how future treaty provisions may influence their operations. Many are preparing for heightened transparency requirements, stronger recyclability standards and possible phase\u2011outs of certain single\u2011use or low\u2011recyclability packaging types.<\/p>\n

Some businesses are investing in circular models, reuse systems and alternative materials\u2014even those exploring biodegradable technologies such as biotransformation additives that accelerate plastic breakdown without creating microplastics, as developed by Polymateria.<\/p>\n

While the negotiations continue, key voices argue the packaging sector must shift from a \u201ctake\u2011make\u2011waste\u201d model to one based on reuse and extended producer responsibility.<\/p>\n

Studies show reuse systems can cut packaging production by up to 90% and reduce emissions by 80% compared with single\u2011use models.<\/p>\n

Context of Geneva inc\u20115.2<\/h2>\n

INC\u20115.2 is scheduled for 5\u201314 August 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, with regional consultations beginning on 4 August.<\/p>\n

The session will include a ministerial segment from 12\u201314 August and aims to finalise outstanding components such as plastic production caps, chemical transparency, and financial support mechanisms for developing countries.<\/p>\n

Packaging industry stakeholders watching developments closely. Many of the companies in coalitions backing the treaty\u2014such as Unilever, Nestl\u00e9 and Coca\u2011Cola\u2014are advocating ambitious measures, including sustainable polymer production and plastic reduction targets.<\/p>\n

Observers warn that without firm measures to curb virgin plastic output, recycling alone will be insufficient to change current waste trends and health risks.<\/p>\n

For packaging professionals, INC\u20115.2 represents a turning point.<\/p>\n

The industry\u2019s response in the coming months\u2014in shifting materials, adapting designs, investing in circular logistics and documenting supply\u2011chain data\u2014may define competitiveness under the new global plastics regime.<\/p>\n

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