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Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar - Unpacking the global plastics treaty

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Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar  


Concept

Since 2022, states have been negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Proposals have been put forward that address the entire plastic lifecycle: reducing plastic production to sustainable levels, promoting circularity, and preventing plastic leakage into the environment. States have also proposed measures to support developing countries. The challenge is complex, the stakes are high, and the interests are diverse. While significant progress has been made, the goal of concluding a final agreement at the latest negotiation round in August 2025 (INC 5.2) was not achieved.

On 28 October 2025, Maastricht University’s Institute for Globalization and International Regulation (IGIR) at the Faculty of Law, together with the Circular Plastics Chair and the Chair of Sustainability of Chemicals and Materials at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), will jointly organize an interdisciplinary expert seminar.  

The seminar will bring together a wide range of stakeholders in the negotiations – academics, policymakers, civil society, and industry – to take stock of the treaty process and look ahead.  Specifically, the seminar aims to explore ways forward for concluding the plastics treaty, including through a “start-and-strengthen” approach, and to discuss potential alternative fora.  It will also seek to identify the role of science in the treaty-making process and its implementation.  Given the predominantly European background of the participants, the discussion will place particular emphasis on the role of the EU and its member states.

Programme

Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar on 28 Oct: 09.30-17.30 CET, at Maastricht University, Faculty of Law 

Time (CET)Topic
09:30Welcome & introduction 
09:45Challenge: The global plastics economy today & tomorrow
Introducing a “start & strengthen” approach
10:15Science: The role of science in treaty making & implementation
11:15Short break
 Ambition: In search of common ground, including through a “start & strengthen” approach, on the following topics:  
11:301. Control measures: upstream to downstream
13:00Lunch
14:002. Financing and capacity building
14:453. Decision-making under the treaty 
15:30Coffee break
16:00Process: Process for treaty conclusion, including voting & alternative options 
17:00Research gaps: Brainstorming on research needed to facilitate the process forward

Participants

Organizers

  • Coppens Dominic (Prof of Economic Law, Faculty of Law, Maastricht University)
  • Ragaert Kim (Prof of Circular Plastics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University)
  • Ghannadzadeh Ali (Assistant Prof, Sustainability of Chemicals & Materials Chair, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maastricht University)
  • Gracia Belén (PhD Researcher, Faculty of Law, Maastricht University) 

External

  • Baarn Jennefer (Head of Delegation at the plastics treaty negotiations, Policy Coordinator, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherlands)
  • Bonner Olivia (Policy Adviser at TESS)   
  • Cortat Luisa (Deputy Head of Section, European Public Law - Academy of European Law (ERA))
  • De Anzizu Helionor (Senior Attorney at CIEL; PhD researcher)  
  • Farrelly Trisia (Professor of Social Anthropology at Massey University; and coordinator of the Scientists’ Coalition)
  • Gonzalez Alejandra (Senior policy advisor at WWF)
  • Harrington Alexandra (Professor of law at McGill University)
  • Mirgaux Sophie (Special Envoy for the Ocean at the Belgian Government)
  • Miserocchi Ambrogio (Policy Manager at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
  • Molenbuur Merel, (PhD Candidate, Maastricht University, FSE)
  • Nemeth-Trocado Francisca (PhD Candidate, Maastricht University, Faculty of Law)
  • Noreen O’Meara (Professor at the University of Surrey; Member of the Scientists’ Coalition)
  • Roussell Jodie (Global Public Affairs Lead at Nestle)
  • Schally Hugo Maria (former lead EU negotiator)
  • Suchithra (PhD scholar; Technical University of Munich and Imperial College London)
  • Taillandier Chloe (PhD scholar at Department of Environmental Sciences, Open Universiteit)
  • van den beuken Esther (Principal consultant Circulair Plastics at TNO, Wageningen)
  • van Eijk Marcel (Associate Professor Circular Plastics at Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University; R&D Manager at NTCP)
  • Willemaert Sebastien (Attaché at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgium)
  • Varvastian Sam (Lecturer in law at Cardiff University)
  • Youngman Amy (International Environmental Attorney at EIA) 

 

About the organizers

The event is supported by Maastricht University’s sustainability research program (Sustainable UM 2030), which aims to foster interdisciplinary sustainability research at the University and with external partners.  The event is co-organized by: 

 

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