Global policy progress on plastics stalls, despite public concern
Brands have an opportunity to meet consumer expectations. Read More
- Consumer research shows microplastics and chemicals in the body are people’s top concern about single-use plastic waste globally.
- Experts view a Global Plastics Treaty as highly impactful but one of the least feasible sustainability measures, a view validated by the recently stalled treaty negotiations.
- As consumer expectations remain high and policy lags, companies that take bold action on plastics reduction can strengthen trust, loyalty and legitimacy.
Despite growing concerns over plastic pollution and how it’s affecting human health, global policy progress on the matter is faltering.
Research from Trellis data partner GlobeScan, in conjunction with ERM and Volans, shows that sustainability experts ranked a Global Plastics Treaty as highly impactful but among the least feasible actions out of 64 sustainability measures assessed. While the research was conducted prior to the latest treaty negotiations, treaty talks have stalled without meaningful commitments.
The unlikelihood of a treaty is all the more pressing at a time when public concern over plastic pollution is widespread. A Globescan study from last year showed 70 percent of people globally felt directly impacted by single-use plastic waste. The leading concern of single-use plastic waste? Not climate change or ocean pollution, but the presence and effect of microplastics and chemicals in the human body.
What this means
The gap between the low feasibility of a global treaty and the significant public concern over the health impacts of plastics presents both risk and opportunity for business. Brands that take decisive action to reduce plastics can build consumer trust and credibility, while those that delay may face reputational challenges with increasingly health-conscious audiences.
Based on a survey of 844 sustainability practitioners in 72 countries conducted April-May 2025 and an online survey of more than 30,000 people across 31 markets conducted in 2024.
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