Core Points - The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution (INC-5.2) failed to reach a consensus on a legally binding international treaty after 10 days of negotiations, leading to an early adjournment on August 15 [1][2] - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted significant divisions among member states on key issues such as plastic production, product management, funding mechanisms, and voting procedures [1][3] - Industry associations, including the World Plastics Council (WPC) and Plastics Europe, urged continued efforts towards a final agreement and emphasized the need for a global consensus to combat plastic pollution [1][2][3] Group 1 - The INC-5.2 attracted over 2,600 participants, including more than 1,400 government representatives from 183 countries and nearly 1,000 observers from over 400 organizations [2] - WPC expressed disappointment over the lack of agreement but remained optimistic about a future treaty, urging negotiators to focus on waste management capabilities and circular economy models [2][3] - The European Plastics Association called for a swift restart of multilateral efforts and the establishment of a global consensus and policy framework [3] Group 2 - The draft treaty released earlier in the week did not include controversial provisions such as limits on plastic production or restrictions on additives, which were significant points of contention during the negotiations [3] - China actively participated in discussions, proposing bridging solutions and sharing experiences in plastic pollution management, emphasizing the urgent need for a collaborative approach to tackle this global environmental challenge [3]