Global Plastic Profiles 2025: Article 7 aims to tackle releases and leakages, but remains bracketed in key sections

Article 7 attempts to set the foundation for action against one of the most visible and pervasive dimensions of plastic pollution. While the text includes measures to prevent and reduce emissions and leakages such as from microplastics, fishing gear and plastic pellets, it remains bracketed in key sections and uses language that offers states considerable interpretive space. This has led to varied positions among countries on the strength and clarity of the obligations.

The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), represented by Tuvalu, along with Samoa on behalf of AOSIS, have emphasized the need for more ambitious commitments. They have called for the inclusion of ‘prevent’ as a core obligation, stronger definitions of ‘emissions’ and ‘releases’, and specific references to fishing and aquaculture gear. These proposals reflect the urgency faced by coastal and marine-dependent nations, which experience the brunt of marine plastic pollution. Uruguay, on behalf of GRULAC, reinforced these concerns by highlighting the socioeconomic vulnerability of artisanal and Indigenous fishing communities and the need for their protection in the treaty’s implementation.

In contrast, countries like China and Brazil have advocated for a softer framing. China supported replacing binding language such as ‘shall’ with ‘should’, and proposed the development of non-binding guidance by the COP. Brazil removed references to Annex B and sought flexibility to regulate emissions from recycling facilities domestically. Similarly, the US and others favoured general obligations rather than detailed mandates, emphasizing national discretion over uniformity.

While there is broad support for addressing leakages, especially into marine environments, the depth and specificity of commitments remain uneven.

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