Big brands disproportionately responsible for plastic pollution on small islands, finds study

A new study has found that 72% of items washing up on the shores of small remote, protected islands, are manufactured by major brands Danone and Coca-Cola Company, causing untold pollution to the area. The report, by academics at Royal Holloway and ZSL, found that 99.9% of items originated from outside of the region, with more than 2,000 plastic bottles and lids on a remote and protected archipelago from big brands and others, creating a wasteland for wildlife. The research is published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin.

With ongoing global discussions taking place to tackle plastic pollution, the team behind the study have called for international policies to ensure manufacturers producing plastic washing up on remote shores are held accountable for cleaning-up their products. The majority of items were identified to have been created in Indonesia, China and the Maldives by big food and drinks brands, with 44% of the products coming from Danone and another 28% from the Coca-Cola Company—highlighting how action to tackle plastic pollution from just a few key players could have a major positive impact.

The work also serves as an important reminder for the need to reduce usage of single-use plastics, such as drink bottles. By designing products to be reusable, it becomes easier for members of the public to choose more suitable options and take actions in their everyday lives to help tackle this issue that impacts people and wildlife globally.

Source: Phys.org