Oil states push recycling over cuts as plastic treaty talks enter crunch phase

A woman places plushes on an artwork by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong entitled "The Thinker's Burden" a six-metre sculptural remix of Rodin's iconic Thinker, in front of the UN offices in Geneva. AFP - FABRICE COFFRINI

As 180 countries carry on talks in Geneva to finalise a global treaty on plastic pollution, oil-producing nations – backed by a record number of industry lobbyists – are pushing to block cuts in production and focus instead on recycling. The decision could determine whether the agreement tackles plastics at the source or sticks to waste management.

The negotiations, which end on Thursday after nine days, come as plastic waste has doubled between 2000 and 2020. The OECD warns it could top 1.2 billion tonnes a year by 2060 if trends continue.