Plastic pollution has become a severe global crisis, posing grave threats to the environment, human health, and sustainable development. Driven by unchecked plastic production, the problem worsens through the entire lifecycle of plastics—from creation to disposal—releasing not only large debris but also microscopic particles, monomers, and thousands of chemical additives. These pollutants travel worldwide via air and water currents, damaging ecosystems and wildlife, including marine species that suffer from entanglement, ingestion, and toxicity. This editorial is part of a Special Issue "An effective plastic treaty for marine life", edited by Dr. Carmen Morales (University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain), Doris Knoblauch (Ecologic Institute, Berlin, Germany), and Dr. Stefano Aliani (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Bologna, Italy) and published in Science of the Total Environment.

Recognizing the urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) passed resolution 5/14 to negotiate a legally binding agreement tackling plastic pollution on land and at sea. This treaty should address the full plastic lifecycle. Current downstream measures such as recycling, waste management and cleanups are not enough to address this issue. Effective policies should also prioritize upstream solutions by actively reducing new plastic production

Developing a comprehensive global framework also relies on effective data collection and transparency. By standardizing monitoring methods, creating robust national inventories, and integrating not only scientific, but also indigenous knowledge, stakeholders can better understand and manage the plastic crisis. Marine debris persistence and microplastic formation highlight the importance of long-term policies that address plastic durability and degradation pathways.

Ultimately, a holistic approach—rooted in reduction, responsible design, and respect for human rights—is essential to ensure a just and sustainable transition. This special issue underscores that a global plastics treaty stands as a unique opportunity to reverse harmful trends, protect marine life, and preserve the ocean’s essential role in human survival.