Single-Use Plastic Packaging

Single-use plastic packaging is a major contributor to ocean pollution, with an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic entering the marine environment annually. This category includes everyday items like food wrappers, bottles, and plastic bags. These plastics do not biodegrade, instead breaking down into smaller pieces called microplastics. Microplastics are then ingested by marine life, and have been found in 90% of seabird species. The durability of these materials means they can persist in the environment for centuries, leading to long-term ecological damage and impacting marine ecosystems at every level. The widespread presence of microplastics in seafood also means they can enter the human food chain.