We, 280+ businesses from across the plastics value chain, financial institutions and NGOs part of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, welcome the “The Nice Call for an Ambitious Treaty on Plastic Pollution” ministerial statement issued on the 10th of June 2025, in Nice, France.

It is a timely and critical signal, ahead of the resumed negotiations (INC 5.2) in Geneva in August showing that UN member states are increasingly aligned on how the treaty can meaningfully address the plastic pollution crisis. The statement, endorsed by ministers and representatives from over 90 countries thus far, builds on momentum seen at INC 5.1 in Busan and reflects strong alignment between countries, businesses and civil society on the need for a comprehensive legally binding global agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics. 

This call is also echoed in the Business Call to Action: Land and Sea, a Vital Connection for a Thriving and Resilient Economy UNOC declaration, which has been signed by the Business Coalition and 70+ businesses and supporting organisations from 25 countries who acknowledge the urgent need for an ambitious global plastics treaty as a cornerstone of ocean protection and economic resilience. 

The priorities highlighted in the “Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty” ministerial statement are critical to the clarity and global harmonisation that businesses need from the treaty, and in alignment with our positions on several points: 

• A legally binding obligation to phase out the most problematic plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products. The Coalition has been advocating for this provision to be based on an initial global list and on a process based on common criteria for the identification of additional items allowing for appropriate national flexibilities, which would be essential to ensure global consistency and impact. A treaty with globally harmonised obligations and criteria to phase out the most problematic plastic products could help us eliminate more than twice as many problematic and avoidable plastic products (compared to a treaty based on voluntary national measures).

• A binding provision on product design, a significant step forward from previous statements, which had not recognised product design as a central element in addressing plastic pollution. Harmonised product design would lead to clarity for businesses on where to invest in innovation, as well as to more efficient systems and infrastructure. A treaty that defines common criteria for product design could significantly increase the recyclability and reusability of products across the world, which would help drive investment for the necessary infrastructure, reduce the compliance burden for businesses, and scale circular economy solutions. It would also improve waste stream quality, unlock larger value pools for alternative materials and business models, and reduce the cost of recycled materials – global recycled content availability is projected to increase by 77% by 2040.  

• To help achieve sustainable levels of production of primary plastic polymers, the treaty should allow the Conference of the Parties (COP) to adopt a global set of quantitative and qualitative targets to strengthen national efforts over time, supporting our desired global outcomes on reduction, circulation, prevention and remediation

• A treaty that can adapt to emerging evidence and is supported by robust implementation and financing – critical to its long-term effectiveness.Regulatory harmonisation across markets will provide much-needed certainty for businesses and investors, improving long-term decision-making and lowering the cost of capital. This will catalyse investment and innovation towards long-term value creation.

Besides harmonisation on key areas – for example bans on problematic and avoidable products and product design standards – there is also a need for a globally harmonised approach for national extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, with key principles and minimum requirements. These would support countries in delivering on their national ambitions while ensuring a level playing field for businesses. 

This clarity and consistency won’t come at the expense of economic growth, as some might believe. On the contrary, a robust treaty with strong global obligations is the most effective way to tackle plastic pollution while enabling innovation and investment: 

With less than two months left until INC 5.2, we are encouraged by the significant progress reflected in this statement, and stand ready to work with governments to build on it before and during INC 5.2, in support of an ambitious, legally binding treaty. 

“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.” – Jodie Roussell, Global Public Affairs Lead - Packaging and Sustainability at Nestlé & Co-Chair of The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty 

Download PDF of Business Call to Action: Land and Sea, a Vital Connection for a Thriving and Resilient Economy‍

Explore The economic rationale for a Global Plastics Treaty underpinned by mandatory and harmonised regulation