Major Food and Beverage Companies Linked to Half of Unbranded Plastic Pollution in the Environment, Study Finds

A recent study by the Moore Plastic Pollution Research Institute has revealed that half of the nearly two million pieces of plastic pollution in the environment cannot 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 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. However, a staggering 52% of the items were unbranded and untraceable while only 24% could be linked back to the five aforementioned companies. The study highlights that 56 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 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 the majority of plastic pollution, emphasizing that individuals are not solely responsible for