The Scientists’ Coalition attends UN plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva

60 of our independent scientists from around the world will be present in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5-14, 2025 for the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution (INC-5.2). The Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty supports negotiators by volunteering their time and expertise to synthesize, summarize, and present relevant science free of conflicts of interest.

As scientists, we are concerned that the treaty risks becoming ineffective if important evidence-based obligations are excluded. We are also concerned about a deliberate misrepresentation of the scientific evidence to manufacture doubt and undermine measures on chemicals of concern and plastic production. While these efforts may serve short-term business interests, they undermine the scientifically proven need to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. We recognize the importance of robust, evidence-based decision making and the calls from over 1000 independent scientists as laid out in the Scientists’ Declaration. Evidence from international scientific experts highlights the importance of addressing chemicals of concern, plastic production, and developing essential use, transparency, safety and sustainability criteria for plastics.

To assist negotiators during INC-5.2, the Scientists’ Coalition has developed many resources including six new policy briefs reflecting on specific articles in the Chair’s Text in English, French, and Spanish. We invite INC delegates, observers, and the media to explore these and to subscribe to our free INC Science Update newsletter that will be published regularly during the negotiations.

Our scientists are available before, during, and after the INC meeting to answer questions as well as to share and discuss the scientific evidence with INC delegates, ministers, ambassadors, and the media. To arrange a confidential meeting under Chatham House rules, please speak with a member of our Coalition in Geneva or contact the Coalition’s secretariat via email (scientists.coalition@ikhapp.org) or Signal/WhatsApp (+64 20 452 4556⁩).