EFRA Committee launches inquiry into Global Plastics Treaty

The investigation aims to assess the UK government’s progress in shifting from a linear, waste-heavy model to a more sustainable, circular approach. 

The Committee’s initial focus will be on the Global Plastics Treaty, an international effort to tackle plastic pollution.  

Chair of the EFRA Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, said: “The growth of plastic pollution has been a blight on our shores for decades. It is a global issue that requires international cooperation.  

“Ahead of the negotiations in August, our Committee will look at how the government could take a lead on this and what a successful outcome from the talks would look like.   

“Plastic pollution is just one symptom of the broader problem of our linear economy, which is causing environmental damage as well as economic waste.  

“In this broad inquiry, we will scrutinise efforts to bring about a more circular economy and progress on developing circular economies across different sectors, including agriculture and organic wastes such as food.” 

Despite high hopes for a resolution at last year’s final round of negotiations (INC-5) in South Korea, talks ended without agreement.  

A follow-up session – INC-5.2 – is now scheduled for 5 to 14 August 2025 in Switzerland. 

In preparation for the talks, the Committee will hold an evidence session in July to examine the Treaty’s key proposals, the role of UK leadership, and the challenges standing in the way of a final deal. 

The Committee is inviting written submissions from experts, organisations, and members of the public by 23:59 on Wednesday 18 June, ahead of the July evidence session. 

It has called for evidence on the following items:  

• What were the main reasons for the INC-5 talks in November 2024 failing to reach agreement on a Global Plastics Treaty?  

• What are the main areas of agreement and divergence between parties?  

• How might remaining areas of disagreement be overcome at INC-5.2 in August 2025?  

• What would represent a successful outcome, and what are the prospects for this?  

• What can the UK Government do to demonstrate leadership and drive ambition with regards to the proposed Treaty? 

The wider inquiry is set to span a range of issues, including international cooperation, waste exports, and packaging reforms such as extended producer responsibility and deposit return schemes.  

MPs are also expected to explore the plastic packaging tax, efforts to reduce reliance on landfill and incineration, and measures to combat waste crime. 

Additionally, the inquiry will look at how product design can be improved to be more environmentally friendly, and how single-use items can be phased out in favour of more sustainable alternatives.