According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, five companies are responsible for a significant portion of the world’s plastic waste. Conducted by the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, the study analyzed plastic waste collected between 2018 and 2022.
Out of over 1.8 million pieces of waste surveyed, more than 900,000 displayed visible branding. The researchers identified approximately 60 companies as major contributors to global plastic waste, with five companies accounting for 24 percent of it. Coca-Cola emerged as the largest single contributor, responsible for 11 percent of branded plastic pollution worldwide. Following Coca-Cola were PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria.
Moreover, the study revealed a direct correlation between plastic production and pollution. For every 1 percent increase in plastic usage, its contribution to plastic pollution increased by a corresponding 1 percent.
These findings coincide with a previous report by an anti-plastic production group, which highlighted the challenges of recycling plastic waste. Additionally, research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory indicated that the plastics industry emits significantly more planet-warming gases than air travel.
Win Cowger, a research director at the Moore Institute, emphasized the link between plastic production and pollution. He noted a slight increase in pollution from companies in the food and beverage sector compared to other sectors, suggesting that single-use plastic products are a major driver of waste.
Responding to the study, an Altria spokesperson disputed the findings, citing the company’s limited operations outside the US. However, Cowger argued that American tobacco products, considered luxury goods, could still contribute to global waste.
In a statement, the Moore Institute clarified that Altria and PMI, although separate entities, share many brands and products across different countries. Therefore, they could not be separated based solely on brand names.
In light of these findings, Coca-Cola reiterated its commitment to sustainability, aiming to make all packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to increase the use of recycled material in packaging by 2030. They also aim to collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one sold by 2030 and to expand the use of reusable packaging.
