IPEN International Pollutants Elimination Network

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.…

Chemical recycling of plastic not so fantastic, report finds

How does one responsibly dispose of plastic? The answer to that simple question is frustratingly complex. Many plastic products are marked with seemingly helpful recycling symbols, leading consumers to believe…

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…

Weeklong negotiations for landmark treaty to end plastic pollution close, marred in disagreements

Negotiators at United Nations-led talks in Nairobi, Kenya have failed to agree on how to advance toward the development of a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The latest round…

U.N. plastic treaty talks grapple with re-use, recycle, reduce debate

A third round of United Nations negotiations to try to deliver the world’s first treaty to control plastic pollution has drawn more than 500 proposals from those involved, participants said…