Cat Acheson presented research on activism, public health, and global plastics treaty negotiations at ‘The Anthropology of Plastics’ symposium in Aarhus.

At the UN’s Geneva talks, 184 countries failed again to agree a plastics treaty - yet momentum grows for bold, health-centred action against plastic pollution worldwide.

Global talks in Geneva could decide whether a plastics treaty protects human health - or bows to industry pressure. The outcome may shape pollution, toxic exposure, and public safety for generations.

Plastics pose serious health risks, yet industry influence is weakening the Global Plastics Treaty commitments. A strong, binding Article 19 is essential to protect public health and ensure the treaty delivers real change.

The proposed exemption of medical plastics from the Global Plastics Treaty risks undermining health and environmental protections, ignoring harmful impacts, and prioritizing commercial interests over sustainable, safe, and equitable health care.