Global Plastics Treaty Talks Stall, But Progress Grows At Home

Global Context

After three years of negotiations and six official sessions, the UN's Global Plastics Treaty talks in Geneva ended without agreement last week. Draft agreement texts received pushback from all sides, reflecting a deep divide between countries calling for binding limits on plastic production and chemical restrictions and those preferring voluntary, downstream-only approaches like recycling.

Why Local Action Matters

Sustainability and health experts agree that binding global rules are needed to provide certainty, unlock investment, and scale solutions against plastics pollution. But every year without a treaty is another year lost, accelerating the urgency for alternative approaches.

Fortunately, tangible progress is already happening at the ground level:

Consumer Impact:

• Consumers are shifting purchasing decisions toward sustainable packaging options

• Public awareness of health risks from microplastics is driving demand for plastic-free alternatives

Business Leadership:

• Companies are adopting sustainable policies and product redesigns without waiting for formal mandates

• Investors are using ESG frameworks to guide capital toward sustainable innovation

Local Economic Development:

• Communities are creating jobs through investment in sustainable manufacturing

• Local supply chains are reducing dependence on global plastic production

Policy Momentum:

• EPR laws are advancing at multiple level, with national frameworks in countries like Canada, and state-level policies in California

• Municipal programs are piloting local recovery and reuse systems

With momentum building across multiple sectors, sustainable solutions are gaining traction locally. This trend will likely accelerate with stronger pressure from leading countries, expanded local standards, and continued private sector innovation.

NextGen's Local Impact

We believe innovation moves faster than international negotiations. Real progress will come from people, companies, and communities that are ready to act now. That's why we're investing in American manufacturing and building a local supply chain.

We're officially hiring in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, creating jobs and supporting the local economy while advancing sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel-based plastics.

Multiple positions are now open at our 350,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant dedicated to producing compostable plant-based food packaging. We're seeking motivated individuals with experience in plastics extrusion, thermoforming, and injection molding to join our growing team across production, logistics, and support roles.

Open positions include:

• Plant Manager

• Production Supervisor

• Machine Operator

• And many more!

Do you have experience in traditional plastics manufacturing and an interest in sustainable solutions? We'd love you to be part of what we're building.

How to Apply:

• Online: nextgenbioplastics.com/careers 

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/jobs/view/4288048053/

Join Our Mission

While global negotiations continue, we're proving that local action can drive real change. From our Pennsylvania facility to communities worldwide, sustainable manufacturing is creating both environmental solutions and economic opportunities.