The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is took place from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, with the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean” . Its primary aim is to drive urgent implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14—protecting and sustainably using marine resources—by translating political will into concrete action such as ratifying the High Seas (BBNJ) Treaty, expanding marine protected areas, reducing plastic pollution, promoting sustainable fisheries, and decarbonizing shipping. Through a series of events—including the One Ocean Science Congress, a coastal resilience summit, and a blue economy finance forum—UNOC3 brings together governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, the private sector, and financiers to forge evidence-based, multi-stakeholder partnerships and the "Nice Ocean Action Plan".

The European Commission is advancing plans for a comprehensive EU Biotech Act, aiming to bolster biotechnology and biomanufacturing across the Union. This initiative seeks to streamline regulatory frameworks, enhance investment, and foster innovation in sectors ranging from healthcare to sustainable materials. A public consultation has been launched to gather insights from stakeholders, ensuring that the Act addresses current challenges and harnesses the full potential of biotech for Europe's competitiveness and sustainability goals.

The Global Organization for PHA (GO!PHA) took this opportunity to identify the major regulatory challenges for biopolymers like PHAs made via novel biotechnologies in the current EU legislative framework, highlighting a consistent theme: innovation in bio-based and biodegradable materials is hindered by outdated or misaligned legislations.

The GO!PHA team was in Busan (Republic of Korea) to highlight the critical role of alternatives and substitutes like bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable materials in achieving the goals of the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty.

Leading up to the UN Global Treaty on Plastics (INC-5), we hosted our second webinar series, showcasing groundbreaking insights into sustainable solutions for key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare.

With five expert speakers from around the world, this series explores innovations shaping the future of plastics in alignment with the United Nations Plastics Treaty.

Addressing environmental challenges like climate change and plastic pollution requires a holistic approach to biobased and biodegradable products, integrating their entire lifecycle from production to disposal to maximize sustainability.

A webinar on the crucial role of suitable substitutes in advancing a sustainable future within the framework of the Global UN Plastics Treaty.

Navigating the complexities of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for biobased materials illuminates a landscape marked by significant debate among stakeholders.

This article we will provide a comprehensive overview on the diversity of safe, non-fossil substitutes and their environmental impact.

This Manifesto reflects GO!PHA’s shared expectations, suggestions, and recommendations to support the European Union's sustainability goals, including the Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.

This article dives deeper into the realm of PHAs and their environmental residence time.

Having seen a 20% rise in the EU's packaging waste between 2012 and 2020, and aligning with the European Green Deal and Circular Economy plan, the European Commission proposed a revision to its packaging waste directive.