The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has voiced strong disappointment at the breakdown of negotiations on a global plastics pollution treaty in Geneva, describing the missed agreement as a setback for international trade and sustainability efforts.
Building on its newly secured accreditation status with the United Nations Environment Programme, the association represented the fresh produce and floral industry during the talks, with Chief Science Officer Dr. Max Teplitski attending on behalf of IFPA.
“The failure to pass the global plastic pact represents a significant missed opportunity for both the fresh produce industry and the broader international community,” said Teplitski. “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.”
According to IFPA, the absence of harmonised rules risks undermining supply chain efficiency, as exporters face a “complex web of compliance requirements” that differ across markets. Teplitski warned this would drive up costs, reduce market access, and heighten the risk of non-tariff trade barriers.
The association noted that the fresh produce industry is particularly vulnerable, given its reliance on plastics not only in packaging but also in modern farming practices, such as mulches, irrigation systems, and coverings. “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,” Teplitski added. He urged governments and stakeholders to work together on solutions that balance product quality, safety, and environmental goals.
IFPA cautioned that without coordinated international action, progress on reducing plastic waste could stall. Teplitski concluded: “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.”
