Plastic pollution

Earth is becoming a plastic planet. By working together, we can find a solution.

The problem with plastic

8bn

Since the 1950s, we've produced over eight billion tonnes of plastic. Most of it isn't recycled, and around 32% pollutes the natural environment.

8m

Every year, eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in the sea — the equivalent of dumping a rubbish truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute.

x2

Our use of plastic is expected to double in the next 20 years. By 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean could weigh more than all the fish.

Plastic pollution has significant and wide-ranging consequences for people and the natural world.

The complexity, scale and urgency of the challenge means it's something we must tackle together — from individuals at home to governments and industries.

Tell us what you think

We want to find out what you think about the issues around plastic waste and pollution, as well as the actions you may be interested in taking to tackle these issues.

Take our survey

Our new plastics programme

Partnering with business

By working with businesses, their supply chains and cross-sector groups, we'll develop science-based approaches to help achieve a new plastics economy.

Our partnerships

Building knowledge

By mobilising public support to collect high quality environmental monitoring data, we'll learn about plastic pollution at an unprecedented scale.

Changing behaviours

By integrating public outreach, learning and engagement within science initiatives, we'll help people move away from a 'make-use-dispose' plastic culture.

Contact us

We want to build collaboration and conversation across sectors that will shape our investment and co-develop pioneering interventions. If you're interested in working with us, we'd love to hear from you.

Claire Williams

Senior Programme Manager

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ben Jack

Senior Programme Manager

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Debbie Winton

Project Manager

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Steven Loiselle

Senior Research Manager

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Images; iStock/Barbara Ash, iStock/Rich Carey, John Hunt, iStock/vchal

Plastic pollution

The problem with plastic

8bn

8m

x2

Plastic pollution has significant and wide-ranging consequences for people and the natural world.