IPEN and the Plastics Treaty Process
IPEN has worked to expose the health and environmental threats from plastics, with a focus on toxic chemicals throughout the plastics life cycle, for at least two decades. During this…
World policymakers trudge tough road at fourth UN plastics meeting
The world is trying to figure out how to deal with the over 350 million metric tons of plastic waste we create every year. Scientists know that microplastics and chemicals…
Human Rights, Health, and Lands of Arctic Peoples Endangered by Plastics, Petrochemicals and Climate Change
With the Arctic warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, Native voices speak out on threats to the Arctic posed by plastic and toxic chemicals. Report…
A robust Plastics Treaty is needed to protect global health
by Dr. Tadesse Amara, IPEN Last year, 175 nations agreed to develop a legally binding agreement to tackle plastic pollution. One year from now, these countries will conclude negotiations for…
What Happened at the Plastics Treaty INC-3
This is a brief summary of the outcomes of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. The third session of the Intergovernmental…
Plastics prove tough target for circular treatment
Today’s enlightened consumers may shun plastic straws and avoid plastic bags — indeed, legislators give them no choice in many jurisdictions — but they are swimming against a mighty tide.…
Time is Running Out to Avert Plastics Catastrophe as Global Treaty Negotiations Reach Stalemate
The third round of international negotiations over a global plastics treaty has ended in a stalemate, leaving nations no closer to an agreement to stem the tide of plastic pollution…
Frustration finishes out UN plastics meeting
As negotiators head home after the third United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-3) meeting, some are muttering under their breath. Participants did advance the treaty’s ultimate goal—ending…
Small victories and major frustrations mark latest round of plastics treaty negotiations
In March 2022, the world pledged to negotiate a treaty addressing the “full life cycle” of plastics. Twenty months later, countries still can’t agree on what that means. A third…
Why science should be at centre of plastic treaty talks
by Patricia Kombo, Center For Environmental Justice and Development In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted resolution 5/14 towards addressing plastic pollution. The adoption illustrates how plastic pollution…
