12 essential reads ahead of the Geneva negotiations
As delegates head to Geneva for the resumed plastics treaty negotiations (INC-5.2), Earth Action has curated 12 must-read resources to help cut through complexity and raise ambition. From microplastics and health to financing, systems change, and treaty design — this guide brings together the latest science, modelling, and policy insights to support strong, evidence-based outcomes. Whether you’re drafting text, advising stakeholders, or following the process, start here.
Softcar: A low-carbon vehicle designed from the ground up
What if Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) could shape product design and strengthen a credible marketing position? That’s exactly what Softcar—a manufacturer of ultra-light electric vehicles—set out to prove. With support from Earth Action, an updated LCA helped measure progress and identify new eco-design levers. The result: a four-seater vehicle with a total environmental impact that rivals public transport.
What’s the global cost of inaction on plastic?
New modelling by Earth Action reveals that continuing business-as-usual plastic production could cost the world over $10 trillion by 2040. Built on the Plasteax database, the study evaluates six global scenarios for banning and phasing out problematic plastic products like EPS, PVC, and single-use items. The results are clear: ambitious global bans could save up to $8 trillion, while reducing mismanaged waste by 74 million tons. A strong economic case for bold plastic policy ahead of INC-5.2 negotiations.
Follow the INC5.2 Side Events – Updated in Real Time
From 3–15 August 2025, the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5.2) will gather governments, experts, and stakeholders to advance the global treaty to end plastic pollution. Alongside the negotiations, a rich programme of side events will showcase solutions, share knowledge, and build momentum for action.
📄 We’ve created an online planner so you can follow the full agenda and access registration links — updated regularly as new events are confirmed.
Measuring and financing upstream plastic reduction outcomes
Join us on the margins of INC-5.2 for an evening reception co-hosted by the World Bank, Earth Action, rePurpose Global, Verra, and The Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty. Taking place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 17:30 to 20:00, this event will dive into how upstream plastic reduction can be measured, scaled, and financed. Attendees will gain insights from a new World Bank–commissioned study and hear from leaders across the policy, innovation, and finance landscapes.
Plastic Footprint Network Get Together at INC 5.2
Earth Action invites you to an informal evening gathering of the Plastic Footprint Network on Tuesday, August 5, from 19:00 onwards in Geneva. This relaxed event is an opportunity to connect with peers, reflect on our shared progress, and celebrate the impact we’re achieving together. Let us know if you would like to join by August 3.
Projection & round table on plastics and health
As governments meet in Geneva for the resumed Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, a public event in Lausanne on 7 August will bring together experts to discuss the health impacts of microplastics and solutions to end plastic pollution, followed by an open-air screening of the award-winning documentary Plastic People. Julien Boucher, Co-CEO and head of research at EA, will join the round table alongside international experts.
Date & Time: 7 August 2025 – Doors open 20:30, Panel 21:00, Film 21:30
Venue: Plateforme 10, Lausanne, Switzerland
Free entry (register here) — for more information, visit mover.eu
Notes from EA on the ground as INC 5.2 unfolds
As INC-5.2 kicks off, negotiators are already grappling with a familiar sticking point: how far the treaty should go in tackling upstream plastic production. The atmosphere is tense but focused, with mounting pressure to secure meaningful commitments before the end-of-year deadline. Expect updates on agenda disputes, breakthrough moments, and behind-the-scenes dynamics as countries try to align on one of the most consequential environmental agreements in years.
Stay tuned to Earth Action’s newsletter for on-the-ground reporting throughout the final round of negotiations.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on key reports and articles:
Microfiber emissions: a roadmap for industry action
The Microfiber Playbook – 5Gyres
This interactive playbook outlines 14 upstream and downstream solutions to reduce microfiber pollution across the textile lifecycle. It includes case studies, best practices, and tools tailored for apparel brands, designers, and policymakers. It also highlights data gaps and policy levers for systemic change.
Read the article
Global atmospheric transport of plastics: evidence of long-range deposition
Atmospheric microplastics from global sources detected in Antarctic snowfall – Nature
New analysis of Antarctic snowfall reveals microplastics transported through long-range atmospheric pathways. Using chemical tracing, the study links polymers to industrial centers thousands of kilometers away. The findings strengthen calls for transboundary control measures.
Read the article
A comprehensive database of plastic-associated chemicals to guide safer polymer design
Over 16,000 plastic chemicals catalogued, with thousands flagged as hazardous – Nature Sustainability
Researchers identified 16,325 chemicals used in plastics, of which over 4,200 are hazardous due to toxicity, persistence, or bioaccumulation. Most remain unregulated and poorly studied. The study proposes a hazard-based classification system to support safer plastic design and guide global regulatory efforts.
Read the article
Building a strong plastics treaty: how to align ambition and implementation
Guide to a Global Agreement to End Plastic Pollution – IISD
This guide outlines key provisions for a legally binding treaty, focusing on reducing plastic production, eliminating problematic polymers, and securing robust financial and legal mechanisms. It emphasizes equity, just transition, and institutional architecture.
Read the article
Upstream solutions to ship paint microplastic pollution
Identifying and managing ship paint microplastic pollution along the supply chain: a shipbuilding case study – Marine Pollution Bulletin
Case study of a Norwegian shipbuilder shows how supply chain decisions — from paint choice to maintenance — drive microplastic emissions. Recommends regulatory action, better data, and eco-designed coatings to prevent pollution at source.
Read the article
Down To Earth highlights EA report on problematic plastics
Environmental magazine Down To Earth covered our recent analysis on the global costs and benefits of banning problematic plastics. The article cites EA’s modelling showing that ambitious global bans could save up to $8 trillion by 2040, while cutting mismanaged waste by 74 million tonnes.
On our radar
Beyond our own work, we track key policy moves, insights, and analysis shaping the sustainability agenda. This section spotlights external developments and perspectives we think are worth your attention.
This month, CIEL’s briefing outlined the key issues, fault lines, and opportunities as governments reconvene in Geneva to negotiate a global plastics treaty, providing a roadmap for high-ambition outcomes.
The Science Based Targets initiative released its long-awaited Net-Zero Standard for financial institutions, setting sector-specific decarbonisation pathways for banks, asset owners, and asset managers. A new Morgan Stanley survey found that 88% of companies see sustainability as a driver of value creation, with many already measuring returns on ESG investments (full report).
The European Commission adopted a voluntary sustainability reporting standard for SMEs, aiming to ease the burden of compliance while supporting transparency. And in a landmark moment for climate governance, the International Court of Justice confirmed that states have binding legal obligations to prevent and mitigate climate change — a decision that could transform the landscape of climate litigation and accountability worldwide.
Welcome Mikele!
We’re excited to welcome Mikele Gajda, who is joining Earth Action this August. Mikele is a software engineer and researcher with a PhD in Operations Research from the University of Lausanne. His work blends cutting-edge optimization techniques—including deep reinforcement learning—with real-world impact in logistics and sustainability. With experience across academia and industry, he’ll be contributing to projects like Plasteax and the Packaging Data Hub, helping us push the boundaries of data-driven environmental solutions.
Thank you for reading the latest Earth Action Newsletter! If you found this issue valuable, please forward it to colleagues and invite them to subscribe! Have ideas on how to make this newsletter more valuable to you? Let us know!
