Australia is disappointed that agreement was not secured on a global plastics pollution treaty in Geneva.
The Albanese Government will continue to take action to tackle the growth in plastics pollution to protect our environment and our wildlife.
Australia played a strong and constructive role in the negotiations for a global treaty, as a member of the High Ambition Coalition, consisting of over 100 countries.
We worked collaboratively with many countries to identify solutions and to push for an effective and meaningful agreement.
Unfortunately, the 186 members at the table were unable to agree on the text in this session.
While disappointing, it is clear that many countries want to see common binding rules to tackle plastic pollution.
Australia wants to see a coordinated global phase out of problematic plastic products and harmful chemicals used in plastics, as well as better design of plastics to reduce waste and increase circularity.
Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt said Australia was never going to accept a bad deal for our environment.
"While this is a disappointing outcome, our goals haven't changed. As a member of the High Ambition Coalition to end plastic pollution, the Albanese Government is committed to continuing to work with other nations who want to see a world free of plastic pollution.
"We know that plastic pollution affects the small islands in the Pacific significantly, and we'll keep standing up for a meaningful and effective approach that will meet Australia's expectations and delivers for the Pacific," Minister Watt said.
"Here at home, the Albanese Government is partnering with states and territories to meet our commitment to doubling circularity by 2035.
"By boosting recycling capability with our state and territory partners through investments in new recycling infrastructure, we're making real progress in recovering materials that would otherwise go to landfill.
"Through our Recycling Modernisation Fund, Australia's recycling capacity is increasing by more than 1.3 million tonnes per year. Over 50 new and upgraded recycling infrastructure projects have now been completed, with over 80 projects in the pipeline.
"On top of this, we're continuing to work with states and territories to phase out problematic single-use plastics and transforming Australia's packaging regulations."
