Half of Plastic Pollution in the Environment Untraceable to a Specific Brand, Study Shows

An international research study conducted by the Moore Plastic Pollution Research Institute has shown that half of the two million pieces of plastic pollution in the environment could not be traced back to a specific brand. Of the remaining half, approximately a quarter were linked to five major food and beverage companies: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria. The study reveals that each 1% increase in plastic production is associated with a corresponding 1% increase in plastic pollution.

Researchers and volunteers from 84 countries audited nearly two million abandoned plastic items between 2018 and 2022 to identify brand names and determine their origin. A staggering 52% of the items were unbranded and untraceable, while 24% could be linked back to the five aforementioned companies. The study highlights that transnational companies are responsible for more than half of the plastic pollution associated with branded items.

The authors of the study emphasize the need for mandatory labeling of plastic products to hold companies accountable for their plastic waste. They also suggest that reducing plastic production in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector could be a solution to curbing global plastic pollution. The findings of this analysis align with a report published by Greenpeace and underscore the importance of corporate responsibility in tackling the plastic pollution crisis. The authors advocate for collective action by the 56 global companies responsible for the majority of plastic pollution, emphasizing that individuals are not solely responsible for the crisis. Initiatives such as brand audits conducted by volunteers are essential in documenting and addressing the plastic pollution problem on a global scale.