As plastics treaty talks resume, microplastic concerns continue to grow
Two-thirds of people worldwide are worried about microplastics in their bodies, highlighting the need for a global plastics treaty. Read More

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) will convene in Busan, South Korea, to advance efforts toward an international, legally binding policy on plastic pollution. This initiative, under the United Nations Plastics Treaty, represents a critical step in addressing the escalating global plastic crisis and its profound impact on marine environments and public health.
Public concern over this issue is intensifying, according to GlobeScan’s latest global survey of over 30,000 people across 31 countries and territories. Two-thirds of people worldwide (66 percent) are worried about microplastics in their bodies. Countries in Latin America and Africa where inadequate waste management systems exacerbate plastic pollution report particularly high levels of worry, while concern is lower in Europe, North America and parts of Asia. The highest levels of concern overall are observed in Vietnam and Portugal (80 percent each), with the lowest in Sweden (47 percent) and Japan (42 percent).
What does this mean?
Widespread public attention to microplastics highlights a critical challenge for businesses. This issue operates at the nexus of environmental degradation and public health risks, making it uniquely urgent and complex to address. The dual impact of microplastics — it harms ecosystems and infiltrates human bodies — will amplify public scrutiny and demands for accountability, exposing businesses to significant reputational, regulatory and operational risks.
The UN Plastics Treaty presents a unique opportunity for companies to address this issue proactively and take a whole-system approach in collaboration with governments, NGOs and other stakeholders.
Based on a largely representative online survey of over 30,000 people across 31 countries and territories, Radar draws upon GlobeScan’s unique database of over two decades of polling public opinion about people’s outlook toward societal actors and the issues affecting them.
Survey question: Please indicate whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with each of the following statements. – I am worried about microplastics (extremely small pieces of plastics in the environment) in my body.
Source: GlobeScan Radar Trends Report (survey of 30,216 people in the general public in August 2024)
[Join over 1,500 professionals transforming how we make, sell, and circulate products at Circularity, April 29-May 1, Denver, CO.]
