Plastic pollution remains one of the most urgent environmental threats, impacting ecosystems, oceans, and human health worldwide. In 2025, a series of high-impact global conferences are bringing together scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to tackle this escalating crisis. From groundbreaking treaty negotiations to cutting-edge research showcases, these events are shaping the future of plastic sustainability. Here’s a roundup of the most anticipated conferences this year—starting with PolyNext, a rising force in driving sustainable plastic solutions.
1. PolyNext Awards & Conference 2025 – Dubai, UAE
Dates: October 1-2, 2025
Location: Dubai, UAE
PolyNext is one of the year’s most anticipated events in plastic sustainability. It aims to drive innovation in plastic circularity, recycling, and sustainable product design. Featuring panel discussions, startup pitches, and a prestigious awards ceremony, PolyNext sets the tone for a greener plastic future.
2. Diplomatic Conference on Plastic Pollution Treaty
Date: Mid-2025 (TBA)
Location: Expected in Ecuador, Peru, Rwanda, or Senegal
The meeting will take place after the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) concludes its work on a global plastic pollution treaty. This landmark event aims to finalize and adopt the world’s first legally binding agreement on plastic pollution—a diplomatic milestone expected to shape global plastic governance for years to come.
3. INC-5.2 – Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Session
Dates: August 5–14, 2025
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Part of the UN-led process, INC-5.2 will continue negotiations toward a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution, focusing on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
4. ICMUPPS 2025 – Doha, Qatar
Date: October 9-10, 2025
The International Conference on Microplastics and Urban Plastic Pollution Studies (ICMUPPS 2025) will bring together environmental scientists, urban planners, and sustainability experts to address microplastic pollution in urban environments. With a focus on identifying sources, assessing impacts, and exploring innovative solutions, this event serves as a vital platform for collaboration and policy development. Similar editions are planned in San Francisco, Bali, and Chania—underscoring the global urgency of this issue.
5.International Conference on Microplastics and Urban Plastic Pollution Studies (ICMUPPS)
Date: 1st May 2025
Location: Ipoh, Malaysia
Join leading researchers, environmentalists, and policymakers at the International Conference on Microplastics and Urban Plastic Pollution Studies (ICMUPPS). The event will focus on the latest findings, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies to tackle the growing challenges of microplastic contamination and urban plastic waste.
Key Conferences That Have Already Shaped 2025
1.Microplastics Conference 2025 – Melbourne, Australia
Date: April 24, 2025
The Microplastics Conference 2025 brought together international experts to discuss the environmental and health impacts of microplastics. The event featured sessions on pollution modeling, food chain contamination, and innovative mitigation strategies.
2. ICPRW – Dubai, UAE
Dates: January 23–25, 2025
The International Conference on Plastics Pollution, Recycling, and Waste Management emphasized advanced recycling strategies and policy integration, setting the stage for this year’s global dialogue on waste reduction.
3. MPrism-2025 – IISER Kolkata, India
Dates: February 15–16, 2025
Hosted by IISER Kolkata, this conference focused on micro- and nanoplastics, AI-based monitoring tools, and eco-safe remediation technologies.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for a Plastic-Smart Future
With groundbreaking events like PolyNext leading the charge, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in the global fight against plastic pollution. Through science, diplomacy, and innovation, these conferences are driving critical progress toward a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, entrepreneur, or advocate, participating in these events offers a powerful opportunity to make a real-world impact—and to help build a cleaner, smarter planet for generations to come.