# New plastic treaty draft weaker than rejected version 2026-08-14T08:03:03+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A new document meant to restart talks for a global plastics treaty has been criticised as weaker than the draft rejected in August 2025. Released quietly over the weekend, it prompted strong condemnation from environmental groups. Richard Thompson, a marine biologist who coined the term microplastics, said the text is extremely similar to the earlier draft and "even slightly weaker." Negotiations collapsed last year after opposition from oil-producing nations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Russia. A majority of countries want legally binding measures to curb plastic production, which is expected to triple by 2060. The smaller bloc insists on focusing on waste management. Chairman Julio Cordano called the document a "balanced approach" with divergent views in brackets. Formal talks are scheduled for March 2027. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: environment, oil producers, plastic pollution, plastic treaty, UN negotiations Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/new-plastic-treaty-draft-weaker-than-rejected-version/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/new-plastic-treaty-draft-weaker-than-rejected-version/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.