Microplastics and their impact on oceans and waterways is biggest concern among British consumers regarding plastic packaging, research shows
Some 58 per cent of UK shoppers see the effect of plastic breaking down to microplastics in the ocean and waterways as their biggest concern when it comes to the environmental impact of plastic.
That is according to new research from Aquapak, which specialises in developing high performance, environmentally safe polymers to reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling.
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments which form when plastic packaging breaks down. They can cause various harmful effects on the environment and potentially on human health.
The study explored the attitudes of British shoppers towards the plastic packaging used by retailers and brands. It shows that 12 per cent think plastics going to landfill is the greatest problem.
This is followed by nine per cent who think the biggest issue is plastic littering, and eight per cent who are most concerned about incineration.
A further seven per cent think false recycling claims are the main issue, and five per cent are most concerned about exporting plastic for recycling.
Aquapak CEO Mark Lapping said: “Our research shows that damaging microplastics formed from used plastic packaging is a big concern for UK shoppers.
“With the growth of ecommerce, this is an increasing problem and one that must be tackled to protect the planet.
“We are already working with a number of progressive brands who recognise that the status quo is unsustainable, but also want to meet the demands of consumers who want packaging that is fully recyclable and does not form harmful microplastics after use.”
Aquapak added that two thirds of respondents (65 per cent) remain unconvinced that retailers or brands are doing enough to reduce the use of plastic packaging, with only 18 per cent of the view that they are.
When asked what they would like UK retailers to do to reduce the impact of the packaging they use on the environment, 59 per cent would like to see plastic replaced with environmentally friendly options.
Alongside this, 57 per cent would like more paper-based packaging which can go in kerbside recycling collections, 49 per cent would like the use of conventional plastic stopped completely, and 32 per cent would like to see greater use of packaging that can be composted.
