In preparation for the upcoming Plastics Treaty Heads of Delegation meeting, IPEN notes that countries participating in the Plastics Treaty negotiations will need to swiftly assess the Chair’s upcoming “draft roadmap.” Below are three questions IPEN suggests should be considered when reviewing the document.
IPEN is concerned about a potential parallel process that is exclusive, benefiting wealthy oil exporting countries and limiting meaningful participation of other Member States, especially those from low- and middle-income countries.
IPEN members have researched the toxic plastic chemicals phthalates and bisphenols in their countries. These are high-volume chemicals widely used in everything from plastic toys to food packaging and many more everyday products, yet decades of evidence shows that these substances are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with potential harmful imapcts on fertility, reporductove health, and other serious health concerns.
New commentary urges action by the International Maritime Organization to prevent plastic pollution at sea
Monday, 16 February 2026
Following several large-scale spills, an international group of experts is calling for IMO to recognize the hazards that plastic pellets (‘nurdles’) pose to the marine environment and to implement improved prevention and mitigation measures, warning that current rules fail to protect the marine environment from these pollutants.
Geneva, 06 February 2026 - As the first session of the plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) closed, IPEN expressed disappointment that through the week-long session, no discussions were forthcoming around the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating the need for urgent action to protect human health and the environment from toxic chemicals.
Instead, the talks focused almost entirely on discussions around the rules of procedure, with many key procedural issues remaining unresolved.
At INC-5.3, democracy should prevail in the vote for a new Chair
Thursday, 05 February 2026
Geneva, 05 February 2026 - Countries from around the world will gather this Saturday for a one-day meeting to elect a new Chair of the Plastics Treaty INC negotiations. To date, the Treaty talks have been strangled by consensus, thwarting democracy and stifling the voices of those from countries most impacted by the plastics crisis.
IPEN partner organizations from across South Asia came together in Negombo, Sri Lanka, from December 2–4, 2025, for a regional meeting focused on strengthening coordination, identifying priorities, and reflecting on how our work needs to evolve in a rapidly changing chemicals and waste landscape. Thirty participants from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka took part in the meeting.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) was established in June 2025. The first session of its Plenary (its decision-making body) will be held in Geneva, 2-6 February 2026.
