By Abdullahi Lukman
Global efforts to establish a treaty curbing plastic pollution failed in Geneva after world leaders were unable to reach an agreement, largely due to pressure from petrochemical-producing nations.
The collapse has drawn strong criticism from environmental advocates, including Bluewater CEO and founder Bengt Rittri.
Rittri expressed deep frustration and sadness, warning that the lack of decisive action would have devastating consequences for the planet and future generations. “Over 600 billion single-use plastic bottles are produced each year, and less than ten percent are recycled,” he said.
“The rest pollute our land, water, air, and food – it’s a toxic legacy.”
The breakdown of negotiations means that plastic pollution will likely continue to increase, with scientists already detecting microplastics in rainwater, marine life, and even human blood.
Harmful substances like PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are now present in nearly everyone globally.
A pioneer in environmental innovation, Rittri founded Blueair, an air purification company later acquired by Unilever, and currently leads Bluewater, which develops technology to remove microplastics and toxic chemicals from water.
While reaffirming the company’s commitment to technological solutions, Rittri emphasized the importance of individual responsibility.
“Technology alone isn’t enough,” he said. “Everyday choices – like choosing reusable bottles – matter.
We must all demand better and take action.”
Bluewater vowed to continue its mission despite the setback at the global level.
