South Africa stands firm on ending plastic pollution despite global treaty setback

15 August 2025

• The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Geneva ended without agreement on a global plastics treaty due to divisions between nations and procedural shortcomings.

• South Africa remains committed to advancing domestic and international action to combat plastic pollution and create a practical, sustainable regulatory framework.

• Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, engaged with industry, business, and civil society to drive progress on the circular economy and will continue advocating for solutions at the G20 Ministerial in Cape Town.

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Geneva, which aimed to deliver a binding global treaty on plastic pollution, ended without agreement. Talks collapsed due to deep divisions between nations and the absence of a clear process to resolve deadlock. South Africa is disappointed by the outcome and concerned about the procedural failings that stalled progress. But our resolve remains unshaken.

"While the lack of agreement is frustrating, South Africa will not waver in our fight to end plastic pollution and create a fair, practical regulatory environment," said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. "We will keep driving action at home and pressing for solutions abroad."

At home, South Africa is already moving to ban microbeads and phase out single use plastics. These steps reflect a proactive strategy to reduce environmental and health risks. During the INC, the Minister met with South African industry, business, and civil society to strengthen partnerships for a circular economy. "Collaboration with all stakeholders is vital. We must build a system where sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception," the Minister said.

South Africa opposed rigid caps on plastic production, calling instead for market driven solutions backed by incentives to push business toward sustainability. The country is also acting to close gaps in controls on imported plastics, ensuring they meet strict health and environmental standards. The Minister warned about toxic chemicals in plastics and the spread of microplastics into food systems and human bodies. "It is unacceptable that microplastics are found everywhere, including in our own bodies. We will act decisively to protect public health."

South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and the polluter pays principle are already holding producers to account for the full life cycle of their products. "Our EPR framework is a cornerstone of our strategy, and we will keep strengthening it," the Minister said. The fight against plastic pollution continues. In October 2025, South Africa will host the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial in Cape Town, where plastics, waste, and chemicals will remain high on the agenda.

South Africa will keep working at home and with global partners to secure a meaningful, inclusive plastics treaty that protects our planet and future generations.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi:
Mobile: +27 82 513 7154
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za

Chelsey Wilken
Mobile:074 470 5996
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za