UNPACKING THE GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY NEGOTIATIONS Conference

Public Conference 

Since 2022, states have been negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Proposals have been tabled 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 ways to provide support for 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 29 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 join forces to organize an in-person international conference on the global plastics treaty negotiations.

With a particular focus on the European context, the conference will bring together participants in the negotiations—academics, policymakers, civil society, and business—to take stock of the plastics treaty negotiations and to consider the way forward for securing an agreement. 

When & where

29 October 2025: 10.00-12.30 CET (walk-in from 9.30)

Brightlands Chemelot Campus
Urmonderbaan 22
6167 RD Sittard-Geleen
The Netherlands

Registration & transport

Registration for the conference is required, and is free of charge. Transport from Maastricht to the venue (Brightlands Chemelot Campus) is also available free of charge, and could be booked with your reservation. A light lunch will be provided.