Acknowledging the Disappointment

This month, the world gathered in Geneva for the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2). Hopes were high that, after years of debate, nations would finally agree on a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Instead, talks ended in disappointment. After 9 days of negotiations, no consensus was reached.

The sticking points? Whether the treaty should focus on reducing plastic production (upstream solutions) or managing waste better (downstream solutions). Once again, humanity walked away without a global commitment to end the plastic crisis. 

But while governments stall, plastic pollution continues to choke our oceans, poison our soil, and enter our food chain. We cannot afford to wait.

The Global Plastic Pollution Crisis

Every year, the world produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic, and only 9% is recycled. The rest piles up in landfills, leaks into rivers, and breaks down into microplastics that end up in our bodies. 

The failed treaty negotiations highlight a deeper truth: we can’t rely solely on top-down policy changes. Change must also come from us- our communities, our choices, our actions.

The Upstream vs Downstream Battle

At the heart of the INC-5.2 debate was a simple but crucial question: Where should we fight plastic pollution?

• Downstream (Recycling & Waste Management): 

Some countries argue the focus should be on recycling, reuse, and waste management. While important, these are reactive measures. They try to mop up the mess but leave the tap of plastic pollution wide open.

• Upstream (Prevention & Reduction):

Others push for upstream solutions: cutting plastic production, designing alternatives, and avoiding unnecessary plastics in the first place. This is where true change happens- by preventing pollution before it starts. 

Saathi’s Approach: Always Upstream

At Saathi, we’ve never waited for global treaties to tell us what’s right. From day one, our mission has been clear: create menstrual products that are plastic-free, biodegradable, and compostable. 

We believe upstream solutions are the only way forward. That’s why we don’t just manage waste- we prevent it from being created. Every Saathi pad replaces the 90% plastic found in conventional pads with natural banana and bamboo fibers. 

And because sustainability doesn’t stop at products, we’ve also built our supply chain to minimize environmental impact- working with farmers, using renewable materials, and ensuring that what we make returns safely to the Earth. Our model isn't just a solution; it's a roadmap to a plastic-free future: a blueprint that proves sustainability can be profitable, inclusive, and scalable.

Beyond the Product: Global Alignment

International agreements can feel abstract. But for us, the principles under discussion in Geneva are not just theoretical, they are the very foundation of our work. Our journey has always aligned with those leading the charge for a cleaner world.

In Rwanda, a country recognized globally for its bold bans on single-use plastics, we partnered with the Women Deliver Conference. Our goal was simple: to make hygienic and sustainable menstrual products accessible to all menstruators in public spaces. We provided our products throughout the Kigali Convention Center and distributed 540 pads to the conference staff. We also worked with a local NGO, Mama Courage, to conduct workshops and provide 112 teen mothers with sanitary pads. Check out this video for more about our Women Deliver experience. 

Our work also took us to Norway, a country at the forefront of ambitious circular economy policies. We hosted multiple workshops with various community groups and schools to raise awareness about period poverty and sustainable menstruation. By doing so, we demonstrated how grassroots action can align with national and international policies.

By choosing Saathi, our community isn’t just buying pads- they’re joining the same High Ambition Coalition of countries, leaders, and changemakers, who know that waiting is not an option. 

Conclusion: The Work Starts Now

The Geneva talks may have ended in a deadlock, but that doesn’t mean the fight is over.

The power to make a difference is not in a distant conference room; it’s in our daily choices. Every product we pick, every habit we change, every conversation we spark can tip the balance towards a cleaner, healthier planet.

So let’s not wait. Let’s lead.

With Saathi, every pad you choose is one less piece of plastic in our oceans and landfills. Every choice you make sends a message louder than any treaty: that people everywhere are ready for a world beyond plastic. 

The path to a plastic-free future isn’t a mystery. We've laid out the roadmap to building it, from understanding the problem to supporting innovators and making your choices count. Join us. Be part of our treaty. Your choices are the policy we need. 

Call to Action:

Ready to make a difference? Check out our sustainable pads and cups here.

For leaders, organizations, and investors, we invite you to be part of the solution. Let's connect on building partnerships that move faster than treaties.