Around 75% of people in the UK think it should be a government priority to tackle plastic pollution, according to research by City to Sea.
The survey showed 83% of people in the UK are now concerned about plastic pollution in their weekly shop up from 75% in May 2021.
64% are motivated to reduce their use of single-use packaging when shopping for groceries.
The new research conducted by environmental charity City to Sea working with market research team Obsurvant, surveyed 2,037 UK-based respondents about their awareness and attitudes towards plastic pollution, as well as their reuse habits.
81% of those polled use reusable shopping bags and 65% owned a reusable water bottle.
When asked what’s stopping respondents from doing more to reduce their use of single-use plastics, a lack of availability of sustainable alternatives was the primary response.
Over two-thirds agreed brands should do more to offer reuse and refill and reduce packaging, with 71% saying it makes them view brands and retailers “much more favourably”.
To create a plastic-free future, governments must set out incentives and foster opportunities for businesses to transition from single-use packaging.
Commenting on the survey, Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, said “Retailers such as M&S, Aldi and brands like Ecover are leading the reuse and refill mission by undertaking trials which are showing great results.
“However, businesses must have legislative support to meet consumer demand. This includes governments setting legally binding reusable and refillable packaging targets alongside single-use plastic bans.
“To create a plastic-free future, governments must set out incentives and foster opportunities for businesses to transition from single-use packaging.
“Our research shows just how important the plastic problem is to the British public and their desire for reuse and refill alternatives. We will continue to work with policymakers, businesses, and consumers to create a reuse revolution.”
