US ‘disappointed’ after plastic pollution talks collapse: White House [Video]

The US government said Tuesday it was “disappointed” after nations negotiating a global treaty to curb plastic waste failed to reach a deal, blaming a “small group” of countries and producers for blocking progress.

Delegates from nearly 200 nations debated for a week in South Korea on how to stop millions of tonnes of plastic waste from entering the environment each year.

The talks were meant to end with the world’s first accord on cutting plastic pollution after nearly two years of discussions, but concluded without an agreement — except to extend talks.

“The United States is disappointed in the lack of a legally binding international agreement fit to meet the moment on addressing plastic pollution,” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on Tuesday.

“A small group …