Plastic is useful, but plastic waste has become a world problem. If countries do nothing stronger, global plastic waste is expected to almost triple by 2060, according to the OECD. That is why many countries are trying to make a new world rule for plastic pollution. (oecd.org)

This “world rule” is a U.N. treaty. A treaty is an official promise between countries. In March 2022, countries agreed to create a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, including pollution in the sea. The goal is to cover the full life of plastic: how it is made, used, thrown away, and cleaned up. (unep.org)

But making the treaty has been difficult. The talks were supposed to finish by the end of 2024, but the meeting in Busan, South Korea, did not reach agreement. Another major round in Geneva in August 2025 also ended without a final deal. One big point of disagreement is simple but important: should the treaty limit new plastic production and control harmful chemicals, or should it focus more on recycling, reuse, and waste management? (env.go.jp)

Japan is now trying to help move the talks forward. In early March 2026, Japan hosted three days of informal talks for delegates from around 20 countries. Japan has said the treaty should address the full life cycle of plastics and should include better product design, stronger recycling and waste management, and national action plans in each country. (japantimes.co.jp)

So, as of March 2026, there is still no final treaty. But the process is still alive. On February 7, 2026, the U.N. negotiating committee chose Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile as its new chair. In a letter on March 16, he announced a roadmap with more online meetings, an in-person meeting in Nairobi from June 30 to July 3, 2026, and the next formal session, called INC-5.4, at the end of 2026 or early 2027. In other words, the “world rule” is not finished yet, but Japan is becoming one of the places helping the world keep the talks going. (unep.org)