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Will Geneva Drop the Beat on Plastic Production?

Geneva, all eyes on you. Today kicks off a final sprint for one of the biggest global environmental milestones in decades: the instigation of a Global Plastics Treaty.


From August 4 to 14th, country delegations, civil society groups, and industry reps are gathering for INC-5.2 = the final scheduled round of negotiations to seal a legally-binding agreement to end plastic pollution.


Spoiler alert: it’s intense.


A protester holds a sign reading "There is No Planet B" during an environmental demonstration, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
A protester holds a sign reading "There is No Planet B" during an environmental demonstration, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

Why This Treaty (Really) Matters


We’re not (only) talking about plastic trash here, we’re talking plastic production. Aka the source. Over 400 Million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, and without action, that number could triple by 2060.


As you already know, plastic isn’t just a litter issue. It’s a health threat, a climate driver, and a powerful petrochemical profit-over-planet machine.


But momentum is building up. For the first time, nations are uniting around discussing tangible ways to be cutting plastic at its source. The goal? A treaty that targets the full plastic lifecycle, not just the portion that ends up in landfills or oceans.


Top Priorities on the Table


These are the key demands from civil society (and we co-sign every single one):


  • Cap virgin plastic production with enforceable, binding targets

  • Phase out single-use plastics (especially bottles and non-essential plastics)

  • Ban toxic chemicals in plastic products based on the precautionary principle

  • Introduce harmonized global reporting systems

  • Secure international legal standards for all stages of plastic use

  • Ensure just transition pathways for workers and frontline communities

  • Stop plastic waste exports and greenwashing


Busan to Geneva: A Timeline of (Hard-Won) Hope


The road to Geneva was paved with obstacles. Last December, INC-5.1 in Busan ended without a deal. But it wasn’t a loss. It was a pivotal point and a small win for everyone in the climate action community.


Here's why:


  • 100+ countries held firm on capping production

  • The debate (finally!) shifted from waste to root causes (!!)

  • Civil society stood tall, despite fossil fuel lobbyists flooding the talks


In the months since, leaders from the Global South, EU, and even some oil-producing countries have doubled down on ambition.


Health, Climate & the Future of Festivals


Why are we watching this space like it’s the headline set at our favorite summer festival? Because plastic pollution impacts everything we 💚.


A little reminder that:

  • Microplastics have been found everywhere,... up to, even, human brains (yep and not only there 👀)

  • 99% of plastic currently comes from fossil fuels

  • The expansion of single-use bottles directly threatens global access to potable water


And if you love dancefloors as much as we do (which you obviously do), then you know the only thing we should be dropping more of is bass, not plastic. A #PlasticFreeParty starts way before the first sound wave... it starts by turning off the plastic tap at the source (riiight?!).


The Role of Civil Society and Why We Need You


Groups like No Plastic In My Sea, Plastic Solutions Fund, CIEL, IPEN, and Break Free From Plastic are on the ground in Geneva.


They will be vouching for a couple of instrumental things, such as:

  • Meeting with negotiators

  • Publishing position papers

  • Holding governments accountable

  • Hosting side-events


But resources are tight, and the fossil fuel lobby is LOUD. This is why philanthropy (large donors, you know where to funnel your funds!) as well as the larger civil society (yes, including music and cultural actors!) must step up.


What’s Next?


The next 10 days are set to be either a Remix or Repeat moment for the planet. Will we finally turn down the volume on virgin plastic production? Or let the same tired track no one wants to hear anymore endlessly loop on?


At Bye Bye Plastic Foundation we’re not holding our breath, we’re actually warming up our vocal cords, syncing our signals, and cranking the volume on the call for change. Let’s make this treaty the drop we’ve all been waiting for....


Want to support the movement?


  • Follow and amplify @BreakFreeFromPlastic

  • Share this blog and spread the word

  • Watch our stories all week as we #CleanTheBeat from Geneva to your feed








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