Monterey Bay Aquarium statement on the outcome of global plastics treaty negotiations

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is deeply disappointed that the most recent round of negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution ended today but didn’t deliver a final agreement. Despite years of effort and urgent, visible, and overwhelming support to address the plastic pollution crisis from around the world, the process has so far fallen short of securing the international commitments urgently needed to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. 

Over the past three years, awareness of the plastic pollution crisis has grown significantly, and the science is clear. There are impacts to human health and the environment from plastic pollution across the full life cycle of plastics. At this moment, the global political environment has proven unable to deliver the ambitious, legally binding measures the world needs. 

The path not taken

Monterey Bay Aquarium has engaged in the negotiations process along with thousands of other concerned observers to highlight the importance of crucial concerns and common sense solutions. A majority of countries have publicly called for an effective treaty with binding measures across the full life cycle of plastic. This included a global target to reduce the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels, binding measures to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products, binding obligations to improve the design of plastic products to minimize environmental impact and safeguard human health, effective means of implementation including financing, and mechanisms to enable evolution over time, responsive to changes in emerging evidence and knowledge.

Despite the collapse of negotiations this week, a legally binding treaty that fulfills the mandate unanimously agreed upon by the 193 United Nations member states in 2022 to address the full life cycle of plastics, is still urgently needed. We’ll keep engaging to support efforts to advance future discussions. 

Public sentiment too strong to ignore

We’ve seen remarkable and inspiring momentum: 

The political will from a majority of nations and the strength of public voices have been undeniable. Businesses and financial institutions have also voiced their support for strong obligations, as the most effective way to make a lasting impact on plastic pollution while delivering economic, environmental, and social value. Youth movements have formed and are demanding action, and civil society actions have called for process reforms. The public has been engaged through powerful and diverse awareness campaigns, and widespread media coverage has pointed attention to the crisis and pathways for addressing it.

Driven by science, fueled by commitment

The Aquarium remains committed to equipping decision-makers with the best available science, and will continue to support comprehensive, evidence-based solutions to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution.

Each year, more than 12 million tons of plastic leak into our ocean. We cannot allow plastic production to triple by 2060, the current projection, and so our work is far from over. In fact, it’s more important than ever to advance solutions at all levels of policy-making. We’ll continue to engage to address the plastic pollution crisis - because the health of people and our ocean planet depends on it.

What can you do?

• Support companies that are investing in sustainable packaging and plastic-free alternatives.
• Choose glass, metal, or cardboard when available.
• Seek products made from recycled materials.
• Speak out, leave reviews, and demand change from leaders and companies you buy from.

Join the conversation

On August 28, 2025, at 8:30 am, join Margaret Spring, our chief conservation and science officer, for a LinkedIn Live conversation. She’ll share behind-the-scenes insights from the global plastics treaty negotiations, answer your questions, and discuss how we can turn the tide on plastic pollution. Your voice and actions matter. Together, we can make a world without plastic that’s healthier for people and our ocean planet.

About Monterey Bay Aquarium

With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet. More information at MontereyBayAquarium.org.