Uncovering Plastic Pollution: Study Reveals Branded Waste Linked to Big Companies and Calls for Corporate Responsibility

A recent study of over 2 million pieces of plastic waste in the environment has shown that half of them cannot be traced back to a specific brand. The remaining half, approximately a quarter, were linked to five major food and beverage companies: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria. This international research was led by the Moore Plastic Pollution Research Institute and published in Science Advances.

The findings reveal that global plastic production has doubled from 2000 to 2019, resulting in more than 400 million tons of waste. Researchers and volunteers from 84 countries conducted audits on almost two million abandoned plastic items between 2018 and 2022. Over 52% of the items were unbranded and untraceable, while only 24% could be linked back to the five companies mentioned above.

The study highlights that just six transnational companies are responsible for more than half of the plastic pollution associated with branded items. The authors emphasize the need for mandatory labeling of plastic products to hold companies accountable for their plastic waste. Additionally, they suggest reducing plastic production in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector as a solution to curbing global plastic pollution.

These findings align with a report published by Greenpeace which underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in tackling the plastic pollution crisis. The authors advocate for collective action by the 56 global companies responsible for most of the plastic pollution, emphasizing that individuals are not solely responsible for the crisis. Initiatives such as brand audits conducted by volunteers are crucial in documenting and addressing this problem on a global scale.

In conclusion, this research highlights the urgent need for governments and corporations to take action against plastic pollution on a global scale. By implementing measures such as mandatory labeling and reducing plastic production in certain sectors, we can work towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for all