Supporting the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution

A mandate for global change
United Nations
Pollution from plastics is a global emergency, with evidence showing it causes disease, increases premature mortality, contaminates our oceans and waterways and subsequent marine food chain*. Emissions of plastic waste into aquatic ecosystems are projected to nearly triple by 2040 without meaningful action.
The global plastics treaty – designed to support progress towards the ambition set out within the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) – was committed to by 170 world leaders at the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022. This legally binding instrument, to be established by 2024, will look to address the full life cycle of plastic including in the marine environment.

Plymouth's priorities

  1. To tackle the issue at source
    A commitment to reduce plastic production and consumption, using criteria to ensure the products that are produced are essential, safe and sustainable.
  2. The need for an independent science body
    To deliver evidence that is free from political or financial conflicts of interest – evidence not only on the problem but also on solutions to address plastic pollution across its entire life cycle.
  3. To include microplastics
    A treaty that addresses both the primary and the secondary sources of microplastics.
 

Our contribution to the global plastics treaty

Microplastics in the Mediterranean: Fine plastic parts in the sea off the Greek island of Crete. Recorded in May 2018. Credit: Dirk Wahn, courtesy of Getty Images

INC-5, 25 November–1 December 2025, Busan, Republic of Korea

Professor Richard Thompson attends His Majesty The King's International Sustainability Reception
6 November 2024
Bringing together leaders and decision makers across academia, industry, NGOs and philanthropy, the reception on international sustainability was themed on how to ensure high collective ambition on climate and nature ahead of COP29 and INC-5.
Professor Richard Thompson shares scientific findings at European Union webinar on the 'The Impact of Microplastic Pollution and the Role of the Plastics Treaty in the Future Policy Landscape'
25 October 2024
Led by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, Professor Richard Thompson joined this international webinar to discuss the impacts of microplastics on the environment and human health, and the possible solutions and interventions required for the future. Professor Thompson also emphasised the importance of an independent science body for an effective Global Plastics Treaty, to policymakers from Hungary, Kenya, Chile, Norway, Japan, the Cook Islands and the European Commission.
Nordic declaration on microplastics references the 20th anniversary of Professor Richard Thompsons' scientific article using the term microplastics
25 September 2024
Nordic ministers to The Environment and Climate take another step to end plastic pollution with a declaration on microplastics. The Nordic countries are calling for a legally binding global plastics treaty that is comprehensive in scope and addresses the full life cycle of plastics, with dedicated measures for regulating microplastics related to their source and routes of leakage.
University invited to attend the UNEP ad hoc intersessional open-ended expert group meeting in Bangok, Thailand by UN Belgian Delegation
24–28 August 2024
Professor Richard Thompson attended this intersessional meeting to provide scientific expertise to technical discussions in support of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and before INC-5. These intersessional meetings are specifically designed to be technical and expert in nature to inform the INC-5 Committee.
Publication: 'Informing the Plastic Treaty negotiations on science – experiences from the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastic Treaty', Microplastics and Nanoplastics (Springer Open)
18 July 2024
Professor Richard Thompson, Deputy Co-ordinator of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty has contributed to a paper presenting the approach of the Coalition, renewing the calls for a formal scientific mechanism to inform the negotiation process and the need to address both microplastic and nanoplastic life cycles and pollution.
University contributes to global scoping review of behavioral interventions to reduce plastic pollution with recommendations for key sectors, (Conservation Science and Practice)
14 July 2024
Professor Richard Thompson, Dr Kayleigh Wyles , Professor Sabine Pahl and Dr Deborah Cracknell have contributed to a paper that summarises peer-reviewed evidence on interventions aimed at changing plastic consumption and behaviours of end users. This comes in light of the Global Plastics Treaty and the role of end users in the reduction of single-use plastics and plastic pollution.

INC-4: 23–29 April 2024, Ottawa, Canada

INC-4 – fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is scheduled to take place from 23 to 29 April 2024 at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada. The session will be preceded by regional consultations on 21 April 2024.
Scientists call on United States to take a positive stance to end plastic pollution
3 April 2024
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS is one of three signatories on a letter to United States President Joe Biden calling for independent scientific evidence to inform his country’s position on the United Nations Treaty to end Plastic Pollution. The letter, from the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, thanks the President and his administration for their stance to date on plastic pollution and environmental justice. However, it also calls for any future actions and commitments to be directly linked to independent research so as to "ensure accurate, evidence-based decision making."
Professor Richard Thompson joins panel discussion at the Geneva Environment Network event on plastics
20 March 2024
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS joined a panel for the launch of the Geneva Environment Network at the event: 'Climate Impact of Plastics: Global Actions to Stem Climate Change and End Plastic Pollution' representing the University and the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty.
Professor Richard Thompson elected as Deputy Co-ordinator of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
In January 2024 and ahead of the fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), Professor Richard Thompson was elected as Deputy Co-ordinator of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, which represents 300 scientists in 50 countries.
University of Plymouth hosts side event at INC-4 on alternative and substitute plastics
26 April 2024
Biodegradable polymers, recycled polymers, aluminium, glass, banana leaves, jute, algae and crustacean shells are all highlighted as potential alternatives and substitutes to help reduce plastic pollution. But is there clear evidence they are genuinely better and if so, in which contexts?
University of Plymouth INC-4 Side Event
 
 

INC-3: 13–19 November 2023, Nairobi, Kenya

Presenting at INC-3 Side Event hosted by the Ministry of the Environment for Japan
14 November 2023
On the theme of 'Oceans and the Marine Environment, Including Transport, Ghost Fishing Gears, Dumping, Pellet Loss, and Impacts on Biodiversity', Professor Richard Thompson presented on 'The Role of Scientific Evidence to Inform Governance' at this official Side Event. Other speakers also attended from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC) and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative Ocean Conservancy.

Co-author of ‘Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods' by the Ministry of the Environment for Japan
Professor Richard Thompson co-authored the publication that proposes ways of harmonising methodologies for monitoring microplastic densities at the ocean surface to deliver comparable results. Included is the rationale for various sample collection methods, sample handling and processing, analytical procedures, reporting requirements, and other matters necessary or desirable for harmonization.

Plymouth's research into microplastics near Mount Everest referenced by member country, Nepal
During a plenary session ahead of the INC3 meeting, officials from Nepal spoke about the unique challenges the country is facing from plastic pollution and referenced the University's own research into the microplastics found high on the slopes of Mount Everest. Following this Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS met the officials to discuss that research, and the problems such pollution causes for mountain communities and others downstream in Nepal.
Read more about our record-breaking research on plastics in the Himalayas: Microplastics in the Death Zone

Contributing to the Global Plastics Summit, Bangkok recommendations
9 November 2023
The Summit, hosted by the Economist Impact with the support of The Nippon Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, and The Pew Charitable Trusts brought together 381 participants from 56 countries, including the University of Plymouth delegation. On 9 November 2023, they released their recommendations for the forthcoming INC-3 meeting, with Professor Richard Thompson providing key input into the summit. Together, they recommended:
  • a robust science-policy interface to support negotiators in making evidence-based decisions
  • allow a diverse group of stakeholders to participate in the negotiation process more substantively
  • a strengthened focus in the treaty on the unique needs of SIDS
  • the treaty must adopt the precautionary principle regarding the health impacts of plastics and be flexible enough to continue to be tightened as the science evolves
  • negotiators must agree on the treaty’s key definitions, principles and scope at the upcoming negotiation session.

Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty respond to INC-3 Zero Draft text
3 November 2023
The International Marine Litter Unit team, as part of the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty formally respond to the Zero Draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment. Their response highlighted five key requirements:
  1. time-bound, legally binding primary plastic polymer reduction targets for each Party
  2. safety, sustainability, essentiality and transparency criteria
  3. initiation of sector-specific strategies and work programmes
  4. a dedicated multilateral fund, plastic pollution fees and mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility
  5. an independent, trusted science-policy interface including expert committees under the Governing Body of the instrument.

Contributing to policy briefs on biodegrables and the role of chemicals and polymers
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones and Dr Francesca De Falco contributed to the policy brief addressing the role of biodegradable plastics and how the global plastics treaty should manage these moving forward:
Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty (2023) Policy Brief: The global plastics treaty: What is the role of bio-based plastic, biodegradable plastic and bioplastic? (possible core obligation 8). DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10021063
Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones contributed to the policy brief that provides arguments on and insights into why and how plastic chemicals and polymers of concern should be integrated in the global plastics treaty:
Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty (2023) Policy Brief: Role of chemicals and polymers of concern in the global plastics treaty DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7941525
Professor Richard Thompson delivers an Oral Intervention on behalf of the 'Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty' at INC-3
16 November 2023
Professor Thompson delivered an oral intervention on behalf of over 300 independent scientists, to facilitate access to the best available science, including the following:
  • to consider a sectoral approach as a key requirement
  • using the example of fishing gear which requires a different approach than other plastic pollution – looking at its full life span including design, production, marking and tracking.
Professor Richard Thompson delivers oral intervention at INC-3
Professor Richard Thompson delivers oral intervention at INC-3

INC-2: 29 May–2 June 2023, Paris, France

Plastic Pollution: a ticking time bomb?
Professor Richard Thompson and the International Marine Litter Unit team contributed to the plastic pollution report by Angèle Préville, Senator and Philippe Bolo, Deputy of the French National Assembly report, 2020.

Professor Richard Thompson presents evidence at INC-2
Director of the Marine Institute and International Marine Litter Unit, Professor Richard Thompson addresses the delegation in Paris for the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
INC-2 took place from 29 May to 2 June 2023 at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris, France.

University of Plymouth at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

  • Professor Richard Thompson speaking at the INC-4 Partnerships Day

    Professor Richard Thompson speaking on the panel at the INC-4 Partnerships Day

  • University staff at the British High Commission hosted reception at INC-4

    Professor Richard Thompson and Dr Max Kelly at the British High Commission reception in Ottawa for INC-4

  • Professor Richard Thompson speaking at the INC-4 Partnerships Day

    Professor Richard Thompson speaking at the INC-4 Partnerships Day

  • INC-4 panel discussion at University of Plymouth side event

    Panel discussions take place at the University's INC-4 side event

    Henrique Pacini (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), Isabel Jarrett (The Pew Charitable Trusts), Dr Lev Neretin (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Jane Muncke (Food Packaging Forum)
  • Professor Richard Thompson talking at the Insights for negotiators from scenario modelling’ Co-Hosted by: UK Government, OECD & Systemiq

    Professor Richard Thompson on the panel at the 'Insights for negotiators from scenario modelling’, hosted by UK Government, OECD & Systemiq

  • Richard Thompson at the INC-4 side event

    Professor Richard Thompson opens the panel discussion at the University's INC-4 side event

  • University of Plymouth INC-4 Side Event

    Delegates hear opening statements from the panel at the University's INC-4 side event

  • University of Plymouth delegation at INC-4

    University of Plymouth delegation at INC-4

  • INC-3 Delegation: The Plymouth team is made up of Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones, Dr Francesca De Falco, Dr Max Kelly, and Miss Florence Parker-Jurd.

    Plymouth's INC-3 delegation

    Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones, Dr Francesca De Falco, Dr Max Kelly, and Miss Florence Parker-Jurd.
  • Plymouth delegation at INC-3

    Plymouth delegation at INC-3

  • Plymouth delegation at INC-3

    Plymouth delegation at INC-3

  • Professor Richard Thompson and University of Plymouth Alum, Hannah Pragnall-Rasch, Policy Specialist, Ocean Conservancy.

    Professor Richard Thompson and University of Plymouth Alum, Hannah Pragnall-Rasch, now Policy Specialist, Ocean Conservancy.

  • Professor Richard Thompson with Angèle Préville, Senator and Philippe Bolo, Deputy of the French National Assembly.

    Professor Richard Thompson with Angèle Préville, Senator and Philippe Bolo, Deputy of the French National Assembly

  • Professor Richard Thompson presenting at INC-2 in Paris for the global plastics treaty

    Professor Richard Thompson presenting at INC-2 in Paris

Pioneers of marine plastics research

‘We can’t carry on’: the godfather of microplastics on how to stop them. An interview with Professor Richard Thompson
Over two decades, the award-winning and highly-cited research and expertise of the University’s Marine Institute has informed UK and international policy to date – in turn helping to build momentum and inform the detail of future global action. The team’s 2004 landmark paper, Lost at Sea: Where is all the Plastic?, was the first to describe microplastics in the ocean, and they have continued to contribute fundamental understanding of microplastics ever since.
The International Marine Litter Research have pioneered methods for monitoring and tracking marine plastics, the effects of plastics on marine life, economies and human health and wellbeing, as well as solutions to mitigate plastic pollution.
Professor Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson, Professor of Marine Biology and Director of the University’s Marine Institute, continues to set the international agenda on research into the causes and effects of marine litter. 

Evidence-informed solutions

Our research focuses on understanding the accumulation and harm caused by marine litter, and the potential solutions to this global crisis.

Getty image 872418096 tyres 
Environmental Issue: Underwater image of Plastic in the Ocean. The location here is Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Thailand.
Close up of blue clothes hanging up

International Marine Litter Research Unit

Marine litter is a global environmental problem with items of debris now contaminating habitats from the poles to the equator, from the sea surface to the deep sea.
Furthering our understanding of litter on the environment and defining solutions.
Marine litter