On World Environment Day, UN Secretary-General warns that plastic pollution is ‘choking’ the planet, harming ecosystems, well-being and the climate, and must be addressed; in two months, countries will hammer-out a new global plastics treaty

June 6, 2025 (Packaging News) –

On World Environment Day today, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that plastic pollution is ‘choking’ the planet, harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate, and must be addressed.

“Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife. And as it breaks-down into smaller and smaller parts, it infiltrates every corner of Earth: from the top of Mount Everest , to the depths of the ocean; from human brains; to human breastmilk.”

He said there were steps being taken towards reusability and policies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management.

“But we must go further, faster. In two months, countries will come together to hammer-out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year. One that covers the life-cycle of plastic, through the perspective of circular economies.”

Inger Andersen , executive director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), added: “we can unleash and unite to unleash innovative solutions, solutions that tackle the life cycle of plastics, solutions that enable the deployment of alternatives and ultimately drive down plastic pollution leaking into our environment. Solutions that rethink how products are designed and how we make, use and reuse plastics and solutions that help protect our health, our environment and our communities.”

Guterres said: “I urge negotiators to return to talks in August determined to build a common path through their differences and deliver the treaty our world needs. Together, let’s end the scourge of plastic pollution and build a better future for us all.”

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