Insights into the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we’re joined by Rob Benedict, Vice President, Petrochemicals and Midstream, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to discuss the outcomes of the final round of UN negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty. Rob provides background on the negotiations and updates us on how they are progressing following the sixth round of talks in August 2025. Rob provides insight into the negotiation process and explains how AFPM envisions a successful global agreement on plastic waste. He also offers his thoughts on what comes next for the negotiations, and whether the US will remain engaged in the process. This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at