End the Plastic Era!
To the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, and the co-chairs of the HAC, Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment of Rwanda and Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway.
Petition
We demand that the EU and the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution hold the line and push for a rapid, transparent and strong text for the Global Plastics Treaty — one that includes:
- Binding caps on virgin plastic production worldwide.
- Mandatory global targets — not voluntary pledges.
- Regulation of the full lifecycle of plastics, from design to disposal.
- A ban on harmful single-use plastics with clear phase-out deadlines.
- Strict controls and phase-outs for toxic chemical additives in plastics.
- Fair support for Global South countries through funding and technology transfer.
To achieve this goal, we urge the HAC to move beyond unanimity and adopt a voting system that ensures progress.
Why is this important?
Every year, 21 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into the environment — enough to wrap the planet twice in shipping containers — poisoning soils, oceans, and biodiversity. Microplastics have even been found in human brains, lungs, and placentas. [1]
In 2022, world leaders proposed a Global Plastics Treaty to combat escalating plastic pollution. Its ambitions ranged from curbing single-use plastic to holding manufacturers responsible for waste management. If passed, it could be one of the most impactful environmental treaties ever. [2]
But the last draft treaty, presented just last week in Geneva, required more than 70 countries to give their unanimous approval. The result: a text stuffed with loopholes and industry concessions. It was so imperfect, only the giants of the plastic industry wanted to sign it. [3]
We can’t lose more years to failed diplomacy: our oceans and land are drowning in toxic waste. It’s time to face the truth: a few countries that profit billions from plastics will keep blocking action. The good news? The EU remains one of the strongest voices for a real solution. [4]
Together, let’s demand that all EU states, and the majority of willing states, approve an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty now. A huge petition will ramp up the momentum from last week’s summit. Will you add your name to help seal the deal?
References:
[1] https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/plastics.html
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/03/levels-of-microplastics-in-human-brains-may-be-rapidly-rising-study-suggests
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/27/microplastics-found-every-human-placenta-tested-study-health-impact
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/editorial/public-exposure-to-bisphenol-a
[2] https://hactoendplasticpollution.org/
[3] https://www.climatechangenews.com/2025/08/08/as-us-joins-oil-states-in-blocking-production-cuts-un-plastics-treaty-talks-remain-deadlocked
https://apnews.com/article/plastic-pollution-treaty-negotiations-united-nations-geneva-e73090282a22be7ff5979ea2d648dc10
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/15/plastic-pollution-talks-geneva-treaty