After three years of talks, and despite growing warnings about the dangers of plastics pollution, nations are at an impasse again over what to do about it.

The collapse on Friday of a sixth round of U.N. talks aimed at curbing plastic output has dimmed hopes of tackling a key source of pollution and left many advocates of restrictions pessimistic about a global deal during the Trump administration.

Diplomats from around the world concluded nine days of talks in Geneva — plus a marathon overnight session that lasted into the early hours of Friday — with no agreement on a global plastics treaty.

What if recycling plastics were as simple as flicking a switch? At TU/e, Assistant Professor Fabian Eisenreich is making that vision a reality by using LED light to both create and break down a new class of high-performance plastics.

The city's over 20 million people contributed 870,000 tons of the world's 57 million tons of plastic waste in 2024. Lagos state authorities last month imposed a ban on single-use plastics, but residents say weak enforcement and the absence of alternatives have weakened its effectiveness.

The plastics contaminating every corner of the Earth contain thousands of unregulated toxic chemicals. As global plastic talks end without a treaty, health experts say negotiators must consider their toxic cargo.

The plant has sparked controversy due to its proximity to Credo High School and neighboring homes, and the company’s recent open house drew parents and residents expressing concerns over a permit application to expand it.

The Lancet report on plastic comes as scientists are warning about the dangers of microplastics found in brain tissue and breast milk.

Despite strong evidence that plastics are harmful to people, oil-producing countries oppose action on human health.