Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilever, and Mondelez Top List of Global Plastic Polluters

A new study published in the journal Science Advances has identified the top five companies responsible for more than 50% of branded plastic waste globally: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilever, and Mondelez. The study, which used data from over 100,000 volunteers who cataloged 1.8 million pieces of plastic waste, found that Coca-Cola was the largest contributor, accounting for 11% of the branded plastic pollution worldwide.

The researchers analyzed five years of data from 1,576 brand audits across 84 countries and found a clear link between plastic production and pollution, with a 1% increase in plastic production resulting in a 1% increase in pollution. The study revealed that fast-moving consumer goods companies, particularly The Coca-Cola Company (11%), PepsiCo (5%), Nestlé (3%), Danone (3%), and Altria/Philip Morris International (2%), are responsible for more than half of all branded plastic pollution.

Why this matters: The study highlights the enormity of the planet's plastic pollution problem and suggests that recycling and waste management alone are not enough to manage the issue. The researchers argue that to solve the plastic pollution problem, we need to change how we operate as a society and reduce plastic production.

The companies have responded by stating they are working to reduce their plastic usage and support recycling and reuse initiatives, but the researchers say their efforts have not had a positive impact on the environment so far. The key to curbing plastic pollution is reducing the production of single-use plastic goods.

The researchers suggest creating an international, open-access database for companies to track and report their products, packaging, and brands to help curb plastic pollution. The study serves as a tool to support a legally binding global plastics treaty, with the researchers urging world leaders to consider the clear link between plastic production and pollution during the negotiations.

The Break Free From Plastic movement called for a legally-binding Global Plastics Treaty to mandate significant cuts in plastic production and stop corporations from flooding the planet with single-use plastic. "This study serves as a tool for change," said Abigail Aguilar, Plastics Campaign Regional Coordinator, Greenpeace Southeast Asia. "Corporations can no longer deny their responsibility for the plastic pollution crisis, and governments can no longer delay holding them accountable."

Key Takeaways

• Top 5 companies responsible for over 50% of global branded plastic waste: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilever, Mondelez.
• Coca-Cola is the largest contributor, accounting for 11% of branded plastic pollution worldwide.
• Plastic production directly linked to pollution, with 1% increase in production leading to 1% increase in pollution.
• Researchers call for an international database and legally-binding global plastics treaty to curb plastic production.
• Companies claim to reduce plastic usage, but efforts have not had a positive impact on the environment so far.