Single-use food and beverage packaging has been identified as the largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution, according to a new global study published in One Earth. Researchers evaluated more than 350 studies and analysed beach litter data from 112 countries, representing 86% of the world’s population.
The findings show that food packaging, plastic bottles, caps and lids are among the three most common types of plastic waste in 93% of countries surveyed. Plastic bags and cigarette butts were the next most frequently recorded items.
Researchers noted that the sources of plastic pollution are remarkably consistent across different regions and economies, suggesting that common products are driving a global challenge. The study also highlights evidence that policy interventions can reduce waste. Countries including Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, which have introduced strict plastic bag bans, have reported lower levels of related pollution.
The authors conclude that improved waste management alone is unlikely to solve the issue, pointing instead to measures such as reusable packaging systems, packaging redesign and levies on single-use products.