Last August, States have negotiated a global treaty to end plastic pollution with the ambition to land a final agreement. 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.

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.