Inside the negotiations: Global Plastics Treaty stalls as political fault lines deepen

Zoë Lenkiewicz, Global Waste Lab, gave her on-hand account of the recent Global Plastic Treaty talks and offered an insight into why an agreement has been impossible to reach so far.

The global plastics treaty was once hailed as “the most important environmental deal since Paris”. It’s hard to believe given the negative feeling that surrounds the treaty after the failure to reach an agreement after six rounds of negotiations.

When 175 countries agreed in 2022 to negotiate a legally binding deal to end plastic pollution, momentum was high.

Understandably as the scale of the crisis is staggering: 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, 99% of it fossil-based, and output is on track to triple by 2060.

But as the latest round of negotiations shows, science and politics remain misaligned. More than 250 scientific organisations have called for urgent action, including production caps and controls on toxic chemicals, but oil-producing states led by the USA have scuppered any hopes of an agreement.

Deep Divisions, High Stakes

Talks have exposed a clash of priorities: small island states are demanding strict controls and financial support to deal with the pollution crisis, while oil-producing countries emphasise sovereignty, trade, and continued market access.

A bloc of ambitious nations, stretching from Scandinavia to Africa and Latin America, is pushing for sweeping bans and robust monitoring systems.

Lenkiewicz, Global Waste Lab, revealed her experience of facilitating inter-sessional discussions on ‘problematic plastics’ and ‘chemicals of concern’. She explained how the session gave her firsthand experience of how entrenched these divides have become.

Production caps, voting rules, and chemical regulation have emerged as the core sticking points, Lenkiewicz explained.

“It came down to economics,” the Lenkiewicz observed. “Eighteen companies produce half of the world’s plastics. These negotiations are about profit and power, not waste.”

Iranian and Russian diplomats, Lenkiewicz noted, arrived among the best-prepared, underscoring how strategically charged the talks have become.

Where Next?

With the global process at risk of stalling, attention is shifting toward regional and national solutions.

‘Coalitions of the willing’ – groups of countries ready to move faster – could forge ahead with their own agreements, even if a global treaty falters. Local waste management innovations are also proving resilient, offering potential blueprints for others to follow.

The session concluded with a sobering reminder: a weak global deal could cement decades of unchecked plastic growth. But if ambitious blocs and innovators lead the way, the plastics crisis could still be turned into an opportunity for systemic change.

Who will be the future of the sector?

During a lively panel discussion, some past and present 35U35: Early Careers Ambassadors gave their perspective on how to build a career in the sector and what the future of the industry could look like.

The session featured some of the brightest young talent in the sector. Each panelist highlighted the transformative impact of Early Careers Ambassador programmes in shaping the next generation of professionals – and called on the waste sector to embrace adaptability, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing to prepare for the future.

Part of the session, chaired by Dr. Adam Read, Chief Sustainability Officer at SUEZ UK, focused on giving the panel a platform to share their real-world experiences, demystify career pathways, and explain the positive impact of mentorship.

A recurring theme was that none of the panellists (apart from Adam Read) had planned to work in waste – yet all had grown to love the sector. Looking ahead, they explored what the industry might look like in five years.

Amy Bloom, Technical Plant Engineer at Suez, acknowledged that uncertainty can feel unsettling but urged attendees to see the sector’s rapid transformation over the past decade as proof of its potential. “We just need to be adaptable and flexible,” she said, noting that soft skills can make all the difference in a technical field.

Niamh Harris, People Advisor at Thalia Waste Management, described waste treatment as ‘an innovation-led industry’, pointing out that job roles and skills requirements are evolving faster than ever. “It’s an exciting challenge as everyone needs to continue innovating,” she added.

Mark Garvey, CEO of Whitespace Work Software, predicted that artificial intelligence and automation will bring sweeping efficiencies but acknowledged that the industry can be resistant to change. As a solution, he emphasised the importance of pitching proven solutions that will deliver tangible impacts.

All panellists credited mentorship as a key factor in their career development, encouraging attendees to seek guidance not just from direct peers but from those in other disciplines. The phrase ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ became a refrain throughout the discussion. They all told stories about experiences with mentors who helped them see the sector in a different way to unlock new opportunities.

The session left attendees with a clear message: the future of the sector depends not only on technical innovation, but also on investing in people, nurturing talent, and building a culture of curiosity and collaboration.

DRS lessons from around the world

In an insightful session, James Beard, Head of Voluntary Compliance at Valpak, and Travis Way, Managing Director at EcoVend, shared hard-won lessons from live Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) around the world.

The two international industry leaders urged the UK to adopt a simple, transparent, and interoperable approach to its DRS, drawing on lessons from successful schemes from around the world.

Beard examined several global schemes to explore what lessons could be learned for when the UK implements its own DRS in 2027. Some of the most interesting recommendations included setting flat deposit rates that are easy to understand and promoting timely communications to build public buy-in.

Drawing on the example of other countries’ schemes, Bear also called for clear exemption criteria to ensure take-back points are accessible and widely available.

Both experts emphasised the importance of system transparency, with regular reporting on progress, fraud prevention, and enforcement, alongside fair handling fees for retailers that accurately reflect their true costs. Beard also spoke about a specific lesson from Germany’s DRS, where handling fees were quite low at launch and led to disengagement by retailers.

Way’s recommendations focused on three core pillars: communication, interoperability, and reimbursement.

Way explained that messaging had to be consistent across communication channels and highlighted the need for rapid reimbursement of deposits and fees to protect retailer cash flow and match global best practice.

The elephant in the room was interoperability. Wales has stuck to its commitment to include glass as an in-scope material in its DRS, a decision that led to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS several years ago. As the other UK nations’ schemes do not include glass, this presents a variety of challenges around interoperability.

Positively, Beard highlighted that the benefits of a DRS in the UK will be realised quickly, citing the fast impact of Ireland and Slovakia’s respective schemes.

To close the session, Way spoke about the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) technology on display from EcoVend. Far from just being a return point for consumers, Way explained, they’re also a source of additional revenue for retailers.

The machines feature an advertising and engagement screen that enables retailers to sell advertising through the machine at a high-traffic location. On top of handling fees, this is an added incentive for retailers to voluntarily engage with the scheme.

Crucially, Way told the event that over 70% of issues with the machine can be resolved remotely, which prevents downtime and ensures convenience both for retailers and consumers.

An added benefit for retailers is that EcoVend’s RVMs provide recycling reports and trend data. This is an invaluable source of information for retailers as it allows them to analyse what people are buying from their store more efficiently.

Some considerations for the UK Way highlighted included that a centralised digital wallet, where all deposits redeemed as part of the scheme can be collected, is an essential next step. He also cited how Norway had seen a 10% increase in charitable donations through deposits donated through the country’s scheme, driven by how anyone who donates is entered into a £100,000 lottery draw.

Way concluded by explaining that the main challenges for retailers hosting an RVM to consider, whether they’re mandated to or want to volunteer, are capital outlay, material storage, and consumable cost.

Why renewable energy is essential for Ukraine’s national security

In a powerful session, Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, spotlighted Ukraine’s ambitious efforts to transform its energy infrastructure amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Sobel is the UK trade envoy to Ukraine, as well as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for Net Zero and the chair of the APPG for Ukraine.

Joined by Imogen Payter, the Co-Founder of UK Friends of Ukraine, the pair revealed they had just landed that morning after a 6-day trip to Ukraine as part of a delegation with other members of parliament and businesses looking to invest in the country.  

Sobel and Payter explained that the energy transition in Ukraine is so much more urgent because of the ongoing conflict. Renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar farms, are much harder to target – both during the construction phase and once they become operational.

When asked by a member of the audience why this was, Sobel explained that Russia focused missile strikes on nuclear power stations because they could be rendered out of action with one direct hit. However, wind turbines and solar panels were almost impossible to target with missiles.

Substations for these new renewable projects are also constructed underground to give them more protection from a targeted strike. This was just one example of the innovative ways Ukraine has adapted its energy infrastructure in response to Russian aggression.

The only way to hit renewable energy infrastructure is via drones, which is much more difficult to do. A drone can also only hit one wind turbine or solar panel at a time. Payter explained that repair time is also much quicker for renewables, which, when combined with the added targeting challenges, means hitting renewable energy projects is not worth the Russian military’s time.

The pair went on to highlight a series of large-scale projects designed to make Ukraine’s energy infrastructure more resilient, including a microgrid development in Merefa and the integration of solar power at Chervonohrad’s water utilities.

These projects, they said, are part of a larger strategy to decentralise the grid, cut emissions, and future-proof critical services.

Advanced tools such as the U.S.-developed REopt platform are helping Ukrainian planners model and optimise distributed energy resources under real-world constraints.

Sobel credited international collaboration as a key factor in accelerating progress, bringing together expertise, funding, and technical support from global partners.

Despite the challenges posed by the war, the session painted a picture of a nation determined not just to restore its power system but to transform it.

Defra to publish new carbon budget and delivery plan in net zero drive

The UK Government will publish a new carbon budget and delivery plan next month as part of efforts to accelerate progress towards net zero, James Cruddas (pictured), Deputy Director at Defra, told delegates during the opening keynote at RWM 2025.

He said the plan would form part of a broader strategy developed with departments across Whitehall and the Circular Economy Task Force, aimed at supporting economic growth, reducing consumer costs and cutting emissions.

Cruddas identified reducing biodegradable waste to landfill as a key priority, stressing its impact on future emissions. He also noted the need to be mindful of the carbon impact of burning waste, adding that the aim is to cut emissions across the board rather than shift them elsewhere.

Packaging reform was described as another central pillar. Extended producer responsibility has been introduced to shift responsibility for packaging waste onto producers, incentivising better design and recyclability. Cruddas also pointed to the UK’s first Deposit Return Scheme as a major step in tackling drinks container waste.

The keynote highlighted the launch of Simpler Recycling in workplaces, with a household rollout planned next year to make collections more consistent nationwide. Cruddas also referenced measures to support families in need by tackling food waste at source and food surplus.

Cruddas said government’s role is to enable progress, while delivery will come from businesses, councils and communities.

He said strengthened UK reprocessing capacity was helping to meet food standards for plastics, while mass balance methods in the plastic packaging tax are designed to support innovation and make it easier to credit recycled content.

Government is developing a new circular economy strategy covering six sectors, with detailed roadmaps that set out long-term interventions. Engagement has already reached more than 1,000 stakeholders, and a consultation is expected in the coming months.

Cruddas said government’s role is to enable progress, while delivery will come from businesses, councils and communities. Strategic partnerships are central to this approach, including collaboration with the Mayor of London, Dutch and UK financial sectors, and the creation of a Circular Economy Finance Group to boost investment.

Cruddas concluded that circularity is not just about environmental outcomes but also economic and social benefits, from revitalising local economies to protecting landscapes and oceans – where economy and society thrive together.

Circular Economy Taskforce calls for strategy to deliver real-world change

At RWM 2025, members of the UK Circular Economy Taskforce said the forthcoming circular economy (CE) strategy must translate into real-world impact if it is to drive systemic change across supply chains.

The session in the Circular Economy Theatre featured Wayne Hubbard (ReLondon), David Greenfield (CIWM and SOENECS), Stuart Hayward-Higham, Jacob Hayler, and Libby Peake.

Roadmaps and cross-cutting themes

The CE strategy, due this autumn, will set out roadmaps for six priority sectors, with each Taskforce member responsible for one. It will also include cross-cutting themes such as finance, innovation and waste. The panel said the strategy is designed to enable a wider rollout of circular economy principles across industries.

David Greenfield emphasised the amount of time Taskforce members had put into the strategy, saying it is the first time industry has co-developed such a document with Defra. He noted that working with government means navigating multiple priorities and limitations.

He stressed that circularity is not just about recycling but redesigning for the future, extending the life of materials and embedding design and procurement into the system. Over 1,000 organisations and individuals have been engaged to shape the roadmaps.

Built environment and materials footprint 

Libby Peake said she and Greenfield had worked together on the electronics and built environment roadmaps. She pointed out that construction, demolition and excavation generate 62% of UK waste and account for 25% of the UK’s carbon footprint. The largest part of the UK’s material footprint includes cement, concrete and steel, with use running at twice the sustainable level defined by the UN.

Peake said the industry recognises the need to change and knows how, but is not receiving the right policy drivers. She highlighted public procurement as a powerful lever and said the strategy should help shift how government builds and retrofits.

Analysis from Green Alliance indicates that material use could be cut by more than a third and carbon emissions by 39% if the roadmaps are implemented.

Looking beyond waste 

Wayne Hubbard said the CE strategy should not be seen as a waste plan. Instead, it must be understood in terms of growth, resilience, cost of living and benefits to communities. He said business support and finance will be critical, with a need for a healthy and well-supported CE business sector.

Hubbard noted that SMEs and innovators struggle to access finance, while venture capital is largely directed at linear economy investments such as AI.

Government has money in this space, but it is not aligned to CE priorities, he said. He said progress had been made in persuading senior officials to champion CE finance, but there is more work to do.

Co-creation and sector insights

Stuart Hayward-Higham said the process marked the first time industry had co-created a strategy with government. Drawing on work in textiles and packaging EPR, he said the Taskforce has been able to bring a business focus and financial considerations into the strategy. He emphasised that the process is about building evidence and learning, not about producing perfection at the first attempt.

More than 1,000 organisations have taken part in engagement, including workshops across 15 categories of electricals, each at a different stage of circularity. Stakeholders have discussed how regulation and procurement can support reuse and repair, and investors have been consulted on barriers to finance.

Hayward-Higham said the process had highlighted the need to balance technical and emotional durability, to align with EU approaches, and to build a theory of change that supports practical outcomes.

Challenges and engagement

The panel acknowledged that government is slow-moving and that incumbents create inertia, with powerful interests defending existing practices. They said much of the process had been about learning how co-creation works, understanding the system and testing stakeholder reactions.

At least three-quarters of the RWM audience had been consulted in some way on the strategy. The panel stressed the importance of continued engagement to strengthen evidence, deal with policy barriers, and build confidence across sectors.

The panel said the strategy is good but emphasised that its success will depend on ensuring it delivers real-world outcomes, supporting innovation, and creating the right signals for industry and finance to accelerate the transition.

Waste sector leaders set out priorities for a circular future

Industry leaders joined CIWM Past President Anna Willetts in the Summit Theatre to explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities for the waste sector.

The panel featured Rory Brien, Neil Grundon, Marc Angell, John Wilkinson and Dr Jane Atkinson, with discussion focused on technology, infrastructure, workforce skills, waste crime and net zero.

Rory Brien highlighted the sector’s transformation over 30 years, pointing to AI in materials recovery facilities (MRFs) as revolutionary. He said extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit return schemes (DRS) are vital but challenging in a sector struggling to attract new talent, adding that clarity is needed “in a world full of fog.”

AI is increasingly embedded across operations. FCC has deployed AI-powered robots in MRFs and new sampling systems, stressing that automation supports staff rather than replaces them and helps draw new entrants. Its parent company in Spain uses AI to identify graffiti, fly-tipping and potholes.

Neil Grundon said Grundon Waste Management had bought a software company to apply AI in EfW plants, where it manages complex data, supports admin tasks and improves safety via in-vehicle cameras – technology he described as lifesaving. He also pointed to risks of falling behind on digital product passports and EPR.

John Wilkinson said AI could transform emissions trading scheme (ETS) sampling and health and safety, while digital apprenticeships are vital to upskill the workforce. Jane Atkinson said Enfinium uses AI to monitor waste inputs, thermal conditions and boiler risks from gas canisters.

Net zero and infrastructure

Neil Grundon said net zero remains the sector’s biggest challenge, requiring infrastructure to decarbonise fleets and expand green energy.

Jane Atkinson noted Enfinium is the only UK EfW operator with a government CFD. She said its mission is to treat waste compliantly, decarbonise local areas and ultimately capture carbon, but consistency in regulation and sustainable employment are critical.

Marc Angell said Biffa has invested heavily in collections, processing and treatment over the past decade, reflecting a shift towards full-spectrum waste management. He warned that policy must be “investment grade” and enforceable if circular business models are to scale. Waste fires, largely from batteries and vapes, remain a major problem.

Workforce and skills

Recruitment and retention were recurring themes. Younger people now judge employers by social media presence, websites and wellbeing packages, while engineers are difficult to keep and graduates switch jobs frequently. Jane Atkinson said internships and charterships are essential, while John Wilkinson pointed to SUEZ’s 100+ digital apprenticeships.

Marc Angell said Biffa is focusing on early careers to change perceptions of waste work and build long-term commitment.

Waste fires and crime

Waste fires are worsening, up 70% year on year, with around five vehicle fires a day and two daily in Biffa’s MRFs. Panel members said better collection, consumer education and communication are key, with some calling for a ban on batteries in bins.

The panel warned that waste crime is stifling innovation and deterring investment. They said higher landfill tax risks fuelling crime and called for traffic police to tackle organised waste crime on the roads. Subsistence fees already burden operators, and Treasury rules should be reformed to redirect funding to enforcement. They called for long-term policy consistency beyond short political cycles.

Collaboration

The panel agreed that collaboration between large and small operators is vital, with knowledge-sharing on data, AI and best practice key to progress. ESA membership was described as setting standards and providing resources, though barriers remain for some.

They concluded that consistent policy, stronger enforcement and a united voice are essential if the sector is to deliver on circular economy ambitions and net zero.

Decarbonising at scale: systems-level solutions for net zero

Leaders from government, industry and associations gathered in the Summit Theatre to discuss how the UK can deliver decarbonisation at scale.

The panel featured Bogi Hojgaard, Associate Director at the Carbon Trust; Mike Reader MP for Northampton South; Maria del Mar Rojas of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi); Liz Parkes, Deputy Director for Climate Change at the Environment Agency and CIWM Junior Vice President; and Charlotte Rule, Head of Climate and Energy Policy at the Environmental Services Association (ESA).

Decarbonisation, the panel said, will be delivered by government but mainly by corporates, companies and the public. It requires changing how society powers itself, travels, builds and eats, with 2050 described not as a target but a deadline.

Liz Parkes said her focus was on enabling growth and energy transition in a way that is resilient and prepared for environmental change. The UK has a legally binding target for decarbonisation.

The waste sector contributes around 8% of UK emissions, including 15m tonnes of CO₂ from recycling processes and 20m tonnes from landfill. Addressing residual waste, aligning landfill tax and ensuring consistent policies across departments were identified as essential.

Policy alignment

Energy-from-waste (EfW) was highlighted as an area where plastics need to be removed from the stream. Simpler recycling and packaging EPR were described as necessary for effective separation and to manage consumer costs. Technical solutions such as carbon capture and heat networks will also play a role.

The complexity of sequencing and implementation was identified as a barrier. Businesses need clarity on how quickly to decarbonise and the enabling conditions that will support them. While individual action is important, speakers said systems-level action is critical.

Different departments currently lead different elements of policy, creating further complexity. The Environment Agency regulates technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, while DESNZ oversees emissions trading. Carbon pricing was described as creating uncertainty for investment but also offering a way to shape long-term choices.

Technology and innovation

The UK was recognised as a world leader in offshore wind, with further development of carbon capture and nuclear energy also highlighted. The UK has played a central role in designing carbon markets, with its model forming the basis for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The UK ETS, implemented with just two weeks’ notice during the pandemic, is now being expanded to include EfW and maritime.

Industrial carbon capture was described as revolutionary. Innovation in chemical recycling and mechanical reprocessing is also needed to ensure emissions are not offshored. A third of recycling capacity has already closed across the EU, underlining the need to prioritise waste reduction.

Local and regional action

Spatial planning and regional energy balancing were seen as crucial. The government’s energy infrastructure strategy, introduced in summer, addressed grid capacity and climate resilience. Localised solutions, such as zoning and decentralised heat networks linked to EfW, could deliver low-cost decarbonisation while giving communities a sense of ownership.

Supply chain resilience was also highlighted, with global shocks exposing vulnerabilities. Reducing reliance on imports and preventing offshoring of emissions were seen as necessary.

Long-term consensus

The panel said collaboration between government, industry and financial institutions will be vital. Transition plans from businesses are increasing, but greater policy consistency is required.

Competing priorities across departments, such as DESNZ, Defra and the Department for Transport, were identified as a barrier. Speakers argued for stronger alignment, more capacity, and a single waste team across government.

They concluded that politicisation of net zero risks slowing progress. Full system thinking, transparency, and genuine cross-party consensus were described as essential, with a warning that “politicising our planet” undermines both economic resilience and climate goals.

Harnessing collections for complex kerbsides: WEEE, film and textiles

The Collections & Transport Stage hosted a panel on the challenges and opportunities of expanding kerbside recycling to cover WEEE, plastic film and textiles.

The session was chaired by Emma Tilbrook of Eunomia and featured Brian Ashby, Head of Municipal Collections and Streetscene at FCC; Emma Hallett of WRAP/FlexCollect; Gareth Morton of EcoSurety; and Hattie Parke, Circular Economy Expert Director at Local Partnerships.

Policy and targets

Mandatory kerbside collections for a wider range of materials will begin in 2027, but textiles are not included. For textiles, small WEEE and batteries, the driver is moving tonnage out of residual waste into recycling to improve rates and reduce costs. Recycling in England has stagnated in recent years, underlining the need for change.

Wales was highlighted as leading on policy. Authorities there already report by material tonnage and are achieving close to 70% recycling, which will soon be the legal minimum. Weekly food and dry recycling, with residual waste every four weeks, is becoming the model. Rivalries between authorities, the risk of penalties and the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are adding further motivation.

Flexible plastics

The FlexCollect trials, run with SUEZ, Recoup and WRAP, tested collections across 160,000 households. Public satisfaction reached 89%, with 90% of collected material in target and 91% confirmed as flexible plastics.

MRFs initially struggled with bagged material, which takes up space, but those that adapted achieved recovery rates of 80–100%, with over 425 tonnes recycled. Authorities were advised to plan early for bag supply and engage closely with MRFs.

However, the panel warned that processing capacity in the UK is limited, with costs running into several hundred pounds per tonne. Some material may be sent to northern Europe, where markets are more competitive. Funding solutions will be needed, with costs ultimately falling to producers.

Textiles and WEEE

Kerbside textile collection is possible but should not replace charity and community schemes. Prices for collected material are relatively high, but questions remain about whether kerbside is the right long-term system. Extended producer responsibility could reshape future arrangements.

For WEEE, trials showed that introducing collections reduced textile capture. Piecemeal solutions will continue until authorities can take a whole-system approach. Ten-year disposal contracts and fragmented services remain barriers, though some councils are considering mergers.

Communication and behaviour

The panel stressed the importance of communication and behavioural change. Messages should be simple, actions desirable, and incentives considered. Vape recycling was cited as an urgent example where better systems and clearer messaging are needed.

Definitions also matter: what counts as “small WEEE” varies between authorities, with some items better suited for reuse. Without clearer communication and stronger behavioural drivers, speakers warned that expanded kerbside schemes will struggle to succeed.