The European plastics industry is facing a sharp downturn. Between 2022 and 2023, EU plastic production dropped by 8.3%, and recycled plastics fell by 7.8%. Major facilities like TotalEnergies’ Antwerp cracker have shut down due to overcapacity, signaling deeper industry instability. This decline aligns with mounting evidence on the environmental, health, and human rights harms caused by plastics, intensifying global calls to tackle plastic pollution at its source — production.
Financial institutions and investors are also urging governments to adopt upstream measures, including limits on virgin plastic production. These calls coincide with ongoing UN negotiations to finalize a Global Plastics Treaty. The resumed fifth round of talks (INC-5.2) will begin August 5 in Geneva, offering a critical opportunity to address the full lifecycle of plastics — especially production.
Key provisions in the draft treaty, such as caps on primary plastic production and restrictions on toxic chemicals in plastic products, are proving contentious. While the EU and the High Ambition Coalition support these measures, oil-producing nations oppose them.
With Denmark holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU during INC-5.2, the bloc is positioned to play a leading role in securing a strong treaty. As negotiations continue, the EU’s declining plastics market may bolster its case for transformative change through binding global limits on plastic production. From Overproduction to Opportunity: EU Leadership in the Plastics Treaty examines steps the EU can take during the Plastics Treaty negotiations and in regional policy to remain competitive in the years to come.
Read From Overproduction to Opportunity: EU Leadership in the Plastics Treaty