IFPA Expresses Disappointment on the Stalled Global Plastic Pact

August 20, 2025

Washington, DC – Building on the accreditation status it received in July from the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Fresh Produce Association advocated on behalf of its membership and the global produce and floral community at the recent UN global plastics pollution treaty in Geneva, Switzerland, with IFPA Chief Science Officer Dr. Max Teplitski representing the organization.

The statement below on the outcome of those negotiations may be attributed to Dr. Teplitski.

The failure to pass the global plastic pact represents a significant missed opportunity for both the fresh produce industry and the broader international community. This pact was widely regarded as a final attempt to establish a pragmatic approach to addressing plastic waste and its environmental impact. Without such an agreement, the regulatory landscape will become increasingly fragmented, as individual countries and municipalities move forward with their own policies to control plastic use and disposal. This patchwork of regulations will create substantial challenges for international trade, forcing exporters to navigate a complex web of compliance requirements that vary from market to market. The result will be increased costs, reduced market access, and a heightened risk of non-tariff trade barriers that undermine the efficiency and competitiveness of global supply chains.

For the fresh produce industry, the implications are particularly acute. Modern crop production requires access to a variety of tools, including plastic mulches, irrigation pipes, shade cloths and coverings. Many products require packaging for transportation, extended shelf life and quality, and compliance with traceability standards. The absence of harmonized rules means that producers must adapt to often divergent standards, which may not always reflect the unique needs of the industry or the advances already made in reducing reliance on single use packaging, and reducing plastic waste. While the industry remains committed to sustainability and innovation, having invested in compostable, recyclable, and reusable packaging options, the burden of research and development should not fall solely on producers. Collaborative solutions are needed, with governments and stakeholders working together to identify alternatives that maintain product quality and safety while advancing environmental objectives.

Ultimately, the failure to pass the global plastic pact risks stalling progress on plastic waste reduction and sustainability. It is essential that future efforts prioritize pragmatic, common-sense solutions that balance environmental goals with the practical realities of production and trade, ensuring that the industry’s voice is heard and that innovation is supported across the value chain.

IFPA Expresses Disappointment on the Stalled Global Plastic Pact

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