UN plastic pollution talks collapse amid global divisions
15 October 2025 
Global negotiations aimed at tackling plastic pollution have collapsed, with nations deeply divided over how best to address the escalating crisis.
According to the BBC, this was the sixth round of talks in under three years. More than 100 countries have been pushing for a reduction in plastic production, while oil-producing states argue for a greater focus on recycling initiatives.
While plastics underpin almost every modern industry, scientists are increasingly sounding the alarm over toxic chemicals leaching into soil,
waterways, and even human bodies in trace amounts.
In the UK, the government introduced new restrictions in October 2023 on the sale of certain single-use plastics. Retailers, takeaway outlets, and
hospitality venues are now banned from supplying plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, and food containers. The move targets products
that contribute disproportionately to plastic waste, with research showing that only 10% of the 2.7 billion single-use cutlery items used annually are
recycled.
The decision was welcomed by igus, a global leader in motion plastics, which called the legislation “a positive step toward reducing environmental harm and accelerating the transition to a circular economy”. The company continues to support efforts to combat single-use plastics as the UN process remains deadlocked.
However, igus argues that genuine, long-term change requires more than bans alone. Through its chainge recycling programme, the company
enables customers to return used plastic energy chains for responsible recycling and reuse—an approach it says actively promotes a circular
economy by keeping valuable materials in use and out of the waste stream.
The company is also innovating beyond recycling. It has developed self-lubricating, high-performance polymers designed for extended service
life, reducing the frequency of replacements and the overall volume of industrial waste. These advanced materials also remove the need for
external lubricants, which can contaminate ecosystems, while maintaining reliable performance in demanding environments.
Addressing growing concerns around chemical safety, igus has introduced PFAS-tested and PTFE-free options, offering what it describes
as safer alternatives without compromising on performance.
“This situation highlights how important it is to rethink how we use and dispose of plastics,” says Matthew Aldridge, Managing Director at igus
in Northampton. “At igus, we believe sustainability must be built into the design of materials and systems. Our goal is to help industries move
beyond single use thinking and toward long-lasting, recyclable solutions.”
As international talks stall, igus is calling on other industries to join its push for innovation in sustainable engineering and to help build a future
where plastics are part of the solution rather than the problem.