UN Plastics Treaty Chair to Step Down, Talks in Turmoil

UN Plastics Treaty Chair Resigns as Talks Stall — What’s Next?

The chair of the UN plastics treaty process, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, will step down this week, intensifying uncertainty around a global deal to curb plastic pollution. Talks collapsed in August after three years of negotiations, with many countries and NGOs rejecting a draft that dropped production limits and references to hazardous chemicals. A second text arrived late and also failed to gain support. Valdivieso cites personal and professional reasons, while defending progress to date. Reports of behind-the-scenes pressure within the process have further eroded trust and raised governance concerns. For businesses—especially packaging, consumer goods, chemicals, and retailers—this means continued policy risk on potential caps, design rules, and lifecycle obligations. Near-term focus shifts to restoring confidence, clarifying leadership, and rebuilding a credible mandate for 2026. Companies should monitor negotiations closely, stress-test plastics strategies, and prepare for stricter disclosure and product-design standards.

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Further reading: UN plastics treaty chair to step down with process in turmoil

Crypto Race to Tokenize Stocks Raises Investor Protection Flags

Crypto firms are racing to issue tokens pegged to listed stocks, prompting warnings from regulators and market veterans. Many stock tokens are marketed like equities but often provide no ownership, voting rights or standard dividends. Structures vary by issuer and can create counterparty risk, making some tokens closer to derivatives. The retail market has grown to about $412 million as of September. In the US, reports indicate the SEC may grant exemptions for tokenization, drawing pushback from Citadel Securities and SIFMA. In Europe, platforms operate under MiFID derivatives rules, while ESMA monitors gaps. Nasdaq has proposed offering tokenized shares in a regulated venue. For investors and brokers the risks include fragmented liquidity, weak disclosures and unclear recourse. B2B takeaway: perform strict due diligence on backing, custody, settlement and bankruptcy protections, and confirm what rights you get before trading or integrating tokenized securities.

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Further reading: Crypto race to tokenize stocks raises investor protection flags

Global Renewables Surpass Coal for the First Time

Wind and solar generated more electricity than coal for the first time in H1 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the global power system, per Ember. Solar output rose ~33% year-on-year, meeting 83% of the world’s increase in electricity demand; wind grew just over 7%, collectively edging out coal and trimming gas use. China led additions—installing more renewable generation than the rest of the world combined—contributing to a 2% drop in its fossil output. India’s renewables grew more than three times its demand, driving coal and gas down 3.1% and 34% respectively. By contrast, U.S. demand outpaced clean growth, lifting coal generation 17%, while in the EU weak wind/hydro forced +14% gas and +1.1% coal despite rapid solar gains. The IEA projects global renewables could more than double by 2030, with ~80% of new capacity from solar—reinforcing this structural shift.

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Further reading: Global renewable energy generation surpasses coal for first time

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Gold Crosses $4,000 for the First Time, Extending Historic Rally

Gold pierced $4,000/oz for the first time, up about 0.9% to $4,017, extending a standout 2025 in which bullion is +53% YTD after +27% in 2024. Drivers include mounting economic and geopolitical uncertainty (including the U.S. government shutdown), expectations of a 25 bp Fed cut this month and another in December, robust central-bank buying, ETF inflows, and a softer dollar. Political turbulence in Europe and Japan adds to safe-haven demand. Traders see the next psychological target at $5,000 if rates fall and deficits widen, though near-term profit-taking around $4,000 is a risk.

B2B take: Treasury and procurement teams should reassess hedging, collateral, and pricing clauses; jewelers and electronics manufacturers may face margin pressure; and ESG-minded investors should track mining exposure, community impacts, and supply-chain disclosures as elevated prices incentivize new projects.

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Further reading: Global renewable power output overtakes coal for the first time, report says

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: Unite.  Cover Photo Credit: Davi Mendes