A recent study by the Moore Plastic Pollution Research Institute has revealed 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 of the plastics were linked to five major food and beverage companies: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria.
The research found 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 of almost two million abandoned plastic items between 2018 and 2022, trying to identify brand names to determine their origin. The study revealed that 52% of the items were unbranded and untraceable, while only 24% could be linked back to these five companies.
The authors of the study emphasized that individuals are not solely responsible for tackling the plastic pollution crisis, as it is also up to corporations to take responsibility for their waste. They urged for mandatory labeling of plastic products to hold companies accountable for their actions. Furthermore, reducing plastic production in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector was suggested as a potential solution for curbing global plastic pollution.
These findings align with a report published by Greenpeace which highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The report emphasizes that collective action is needed from all stakeholders involved in order to tackle this issue on a global scale.
Overall, this research underscores the urgent need for action from both corporations and individuals alike in order to reduce our impact on the environment and prevent further harm caused by plastic pollution.
