No More Compromise: Groups Push Australia to Finalise Strong and Binding Global Plastics Treaty
Plastic pollution washed up at Djulpan, a sacred and remote 14km stretch of beach in the Northern Territory that is an important nesting ground for turtles. Credit: Emily Vines / Sea Shepherd Australia
SYDNEY: Friday, 18 July 2025
Ocean Impact Organisation is proud to join a group of over 30 First Nations, environmental, and not-for-profit organisations in signing an open statement for Australia to show bold leadership on the world stage, and finalise an ambitious and binding Global Plastics Treaty ahead of international negotiations in August in Geneva, Switzerland next month.
To be effective, the treaty must tackle the entire plastics lifecycle and include;
Bans and phase outs of the most problematic plastic products and chemicals of concern
Global product design requirements and systems to establish a non-toxic circular economy
Equitable finacing and resources for systems change
And mechanisms to adapt and strengthen the treaty over time
An amibitous treaty would unlock support for circular solutions and technologies, which are already being lead by innovators around the world, to redesign or replace plastic.
From Samsara Eco’s circular economy enzymatic recycling process that allows plastics and textiles to be broken down and reused infinitely. To Uluu’s seaweed-based injection moulding-grade pellets and fibre-grade pellets that replace plastic in objects and textiles. Or Sway’s seaweed-based single-use plastic alternative for applications such as packaging. RIKEN scientists have even created a plastic-like material that completely breaks down in seawater, leaving nothing behind: saltwater breaks it down into its original components, then bacteria disintegrates what's left.
Not only does plastic production and pollution impact the ocean, climate and human health, it also has real economic cost.
The CSIRO estimates that plastic pollution now costs about A$3.8 trillion a year.
Fossil fuel subsidies amounted to $7 trillion worldwide in 2022, or 7.1% of global GDP.
Researchers estimate that plastic pollution reuslts a 1-5% loss in marine ecosystem services annually, equating to around $500 billion to $2.5 trillion.
WWF estimates that the lifetime cost of just 1kg of plastic is 8x higher for low-and-middle income countries, despite them consuming almost 3x less plastic per capita than high income countries on average.
You can help! Sign the Australian Marine Conservation Society petition for a “Strong Global Plastics Treaty Now.”
““We need a strong and unified Global Plastics Treaty, one that tackles the entire plastics lifecycle and unlocks support for circular solutions. Because not only does plastic production negatively impact the ocean and climate, it also negatively impacts human health and global economies,” said Amelia Heldt (Social Media & Communications Coordinator, Ocean Impact Organisation) of the statement.”
Supporting organisations:
