
In a daring protest against the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries on 30 November 2024, Greenpeace activists boldly boarded a tanker at South Korea’s Hanwha TotalEnergies complex, where toxic plastic chemicals were prepared for loading. We demanded for Global Plastic Treaty talks at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) in Busan, South Korea, NOT buckle under fossil fuel and petrochemical industry pressures – and agree to a treaty that cuts plastic production.
Sadly, despite INC5 being a critical juncture in the global fight against plastic pollution, it ended with a suspension as an agreement was made to meet again, which sparked concerns. However, it also lit a small fire of hope as INC5.2, planned for 2025, means the fight is not over. Rather, it presents an opportunity to reinforce the urgent need for decisive actions.
A Moment of Truth
A flag with a giant eye composed of thousands of portraits from around the world was unfurled from a 10-storey crane near the INC5 venue, signalling that the world will be watching and expecting a united call for a treaty that cuts plastic production and eliminates single-use plastics.
“This treaty needs to cut plastic production or this treaty will fail,” declares Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. “The message is very, very clear and it is our life, our existence that we are fighting for in these negotiations. We are either headed to a historic treaty or planetary destruction.”
We saw a number of 220 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists present at the INC5 held in Busan, Korea which is the highest at any negotiation for the plastics treaty. Malaysia was among eight countries – alongside China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Peru – that included plastic as well as fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists in their official national delegations.
The number of industry lobbyists far exceeds other key delegations at the negotiations:
- They outnumbered the host country South Korea’s 140 representatives;
- They surpassed the combined European Union and its Member States with 191 delegates;
- They are more than double the 89 representatives from Pacific Island nations; and
- They overwhelmed the 165 delegates from all Latin American and Caribbean countries combined.
The stark reality is that current negotiations have fallen into a concerning pattern of business as usual, with some negotiators appearing to prioritise consensus over substance.

The Path Forward
Despite it all, clear pathways remain to achieve a robust treaty because a weak treaty would be a deal-breaker. Graham Forbes further responded “For the next meeting, the assignment for member states is clear: the ambitious majority must break through fossil fuel influence and the obstruction of a few, to deliver an effective agreement with binding global targets and measures to reduce plastic production. They must fight for protections against dangerous chemicals, bans on single-use plastics, reuse targets, and an equitable financing plan. They must use their power to ensure the INC process is inclusive and just, prioritise access for the communities most affected by plastic pollution.”
The evidence supporting decisive action is overwhelming:
- The scientific consensus on the need to address upstream production;
- Strong public demand for binding global regulations;
- Support from hundreds of businesses for sustainable production targets; and
- A need to integrate health aspects from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Hope Remains
It’s important to remember that meaningful change often requires persistent effort. The pause in negotiations provides time for countries to strengthen their positions and build broader support for ambitious measures. The demand for change remains irrefutable, backed by citizens, scientists, and businesses worldwide. The majority of governments understand both the necessary measures and their implementation pathways. What’s required now is the courage to stand firm against pressure from low-ambition countries and to pursue the strong treaty that was promised to the world two years ago.
Join millions of voices worldwide demanding a strong Global Plastics Treaty that cuts production at source – sign the petition now and be part of the movement to ensure our leaders deliver an ambitious, binding agreement our planet desperately needs, not another empty promise.
In our next article, discover how you can support Greenpeace Malaysia’s continued fight for stronger plastic regulations, as we vigilantly monitor the Malaysian government’s commitments during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

With plastic pollution present in almost every corner of the planet, now more than ever do we need to support a strong Global Plastics Treaty. Discover how Greenpeace work to protect our only home from the plastic crisis.
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