Civil society groups from across the world have signed a manifesto demanding a strong global treaty that shall end plastic pollution through significant reduction in plastic production, according to a statement by Break Free From Plastic.
The document, titled Manifesto for a Future Free from Plastic Pollution, has been signed even as delegations gather in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 5-14, 2025, for the next and probably last meeting of the International Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) for a plastics treaty.
“Plastic is not a choice; it is an imposition on our daily lives, with harmful impacts on the climate, biodiversity, human health, human rights, and the ability of the planet to support and sustain life,” reads the Manifesto.
The groups called for the treaty to ensure significant cuts in global plastic production. “Dedicated, legally binding rules and targets on the production and supply of plastics—including an eventual overall phase-out of production—are paramount for an effective treaty. We need a legal instrument that meets climate targets, harmonizes with other multilateral environmental agreements, and tackles the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.”
The groups also called for elimination of harmful chemicals across the lifecycle of plastics; transparency on plastics information; clear and adequate financial commitments and mechanisms for implementation; just transition for impacted communities; an end to waste colonialism and environmental racism perpetuated by false solutions; prioritisation of reuse and refill systems; and the protection of human rights.
Countries must be allowed to make decisions on substantial issues through a majority vote when consensus cannot be reached, to avoid one country or a small group of countries blocking progress, signatories to the manifesto said.
They also demanded that polluters be kept out of the decision-making process and asked for conflict-of-interest measures to be put in place. “We cannot have vested interests determining our future relationship with plastics,” they said.
The groups will rally from July 22-25 in different countries to underscore the urgently needed robust plastics treaty.
Individuals are also sending letters to their ministers urging them to support these demands to end plastic pollution. “Together, we must urge nations worldwide to adopt an ambitious and effective treaty,” concludes the manifesto.
