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UNPACKING THE GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY

Call for expressions of interest
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Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar & Public Conference 


Concept

States are negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution with the ambition to land a final agreement in August 2025.  States have tabled proposals covering the full plastic lifecycle to reduce plastic production to sustainable levels, promote plastic circularity and prevent plastic leakage in the environment.  They have also proposed ways to provide support for developing countries. The problem is complex, the stakes are high, and the interests are diverse.

On 21 and 22 October 2025, Maastricht University’s Institute for Globalization and International Regulation (IGIR) at the Faculty of Law, with the Circular Plastic Chair and the Chair Sustainability of Chemicals and Materials at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) are joining forces to organize an international expert seminar and conference to discuss the outcome of the global plastics treaty negotiations from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a particular focus on the European context. In case the negotiations are unsuccessful, the event will focus on the implications thereof, including the potential fragmentation of plastics regulation across countries and regions, with a particular focus on EU regulation. 

When & where 

  • Day 1: Tue 28 Oct. 2025 (full day): 
    Closed Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar (in person or online)
    • Venue: Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law
      • Target audience: around 15 to 20 experts with diverse expertise in legal, natural, and political sciences 
         
  • Day 2: Wed 29 Oct. 2025 (morning only): 
    Public Conference (in person)
    • Venue: Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen
      • Target audience: students, researchers, and other stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, civil society, companies)

Provisional Program

Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar on 28 Oct: 10.00-17.30 CET, at Maastricht University 

We will convey a group of international experts for an interdisciplinary expert meeting to evaluate the global plastics treaty in light of the objective to end plastic pollution, as outlined in UNEA Resolution 5/14. Our goal is to bring together professionals from diverse fields (legal, natural, and political sciences). Through this meeting, we aim to foster the further development of an interdisciplinary research community in Europe centred around the global plastics treaty and the implementation thereof; and to identify areas for future research and collaboration.

This closed-door meeting will focus on three main topics: ambition, process, and linkages. Each topic will be discussed in consecutive sessions, aiming for an interdisciplinary exchange. 

1. Ambition [10-12.00 CET or 11-13.00 CET] 

The first session examines the ambition of the global plastics treaty, particularly in terms of its substantive obligations (so-called control measures) and its provisions on financing for developing countries. The session aims to conduct a rigorous legal assessment of the relevant provisions, and to make a scientific evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses.  We, thereto, also aim to identify the position of different stakeholders (countries, civil society, and industry) on the relevant (draft) provisions. 

2. Process [14.00-15.30 CET]

The second session analyzes process-related aspects of the global plastics treaty.  We will first discuss the procedural aspects of the global plastics treaty negotiations, including decision-making and stakeholder involvement, such as scientists.  Next, we will look forward and explore the process and prospects of ratification, as well as opportunities to increase ambition through decision-making by the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the treaty. In doing so, we will identify the role of science in implementing and developing the treaty over time. Additionally, we will compare this process against other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and consider lessons learned.

3. Linkages [16.00-17.30 CET]

In the third and final session, we will delve into the interaction between the global plastics treaty and other relevant MEAs as well as WTO law (horizontal linkages). This includes exploring complementarities and assessing potential risks of conflicts or divergence.  Additionally, we will examine the interplay between the global plastics treaty and EU rules and policies on plastic products and pollution (vertical linkages). This session will cover the implications of the global plastics treaty for EU countries and stakeholders, as well as the consequences of more ambitious EU rules for the EU's trading partners.

Public conference on 29 Oct: 9.30-12.00 CET, at Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Geleen

During the morning of the second day (29 Oct), we will organize a public conference on the global plastics treaty, which will integrate and disseminate insights from the first day.  The conference will start with an overview of the global plastics treaty, followed by a legal and scientific assessment by two expert panels: 

  1. Unpacking the Global Plastics Treaty (opening statement) [30 min]

  2. Legal assessment (Expert Panel 1) [1 hour]

  3. Scientific assessment (Expert Panel 2) [1 hour]

Call for expressions of interest 

If you are interested in participating in the in-person Interdisciplinary Expert Seminar at Maastricht University (the Netherlands) on 28 October 2025, please send an email to Professor Dominic Coppens: dominic.coppens@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

The selection of participants aims to ensure a balanced representation of expertise and background. We could cover accommodation costs (1 or 2 nights), lunch and dinner; and travel costs in Europe, if necessary. We look forward to receiving expressions of interest.

If you are interested in participating in the Public Conference on the global plastics treaty on 29 October 2025, you will soon be able to register via this website. 
 

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: