Plastics

For more than 50 years, the health and safety hazards of a petrochemicals complex in northern Spain have been worrying locals. Despite that, and the unease of such communities globally, UN talks this week failed to clinch a plastics treaty.

Hopes for faster progress on implementing limits on plastic production were dashed in Ottawa. Campaigners blame large oil producers — including the United States.

Plastics and petrochemical producers are vehemently opposed to limits on plastics production. They are working overtime in Ottawa this week to weaken the treaty, civil society groups warn.

As the 4th round of talks get underway this week in Ottowa, scientists, campaigners, and a coalition of countries are calling for substantive progress on a global plastics treaty that would place restrictions on production. Plastics and petrochemical producers are trying to prevent that outcome.