In an attempt to cut costs, Unilever weakens its commitments to sustainability, reducing plastic use targets and living wage goals. Critics slam the move while the CEO defends it as a shift in focus, not a retreat from responsibility.

A new report confirms that plastics play a bigger role in climate change than flying. They release four times as many climate-warming emissions, the equivalent of 600 coal plants (about three times the number that exists in the US). Environmental groups want to see reduced plastic production, while the plastics industry believes recycling can solve the problem.

A UN-backed global plastics treaty is being negotiated to reduce plastic pollution. Countries and corporations dependent on fossil fuels are hindering the treaty’s progress with lobbying and delaying tactics—proposed solutions include requiring conflict of interest reporting and separating scientific discussions from industry discussions.

A new study reveals that plastic pollution harms ocean embryos, disrupting their development and potentially affecting entire ecosystems. Even common plastic types like PVC can be harmful when broken down, releasing chemicals that interfere with cell processes.

Southeast Asia has become the dumping ground for plastic waste from developed countries, especially after China banned plastic imports in 2018. This has overwhelmed the region’s ability to manage its own waste, causing environmental damage and health problems. This article discusses efforts to regulate plastic waste trade and calls for stricter enforcement.

Activists take to the streets to call for a global plastics treaty that cuts plastic production, prioritises human rights, and addresses plastic pollution’s lifecycle, not just recycling. They want a strong treaty that protects communities and workers.

A huge new survey reveals a shocking 16,000 chemicals are used in plastics, with over 4,200 deemed hazardous. Worryingly, only a fraction are regulated, leaving thousands potentially harming our health and the environment.

Shareholder activism is driving positive change. Investor groups are working directly with companies like Disney and Hormel, encouraging them to set goals and report on reductions in plastic packaging. This approach has already led to commitments to cut plastic use and improve recyclability. While there’s still a long way to go to address plastic pollution entirely, shareholder activism is a promising step.

A study found people with microplastics in their blood vessels were nearly 5 times more likely to suffer heart attack, stroke or death. While more research is needed, it suggests plastic pollution might damage blood vessels and contribute to heart problems.

Global warming and plastic pollution are worsening each other. As the temperature rises, plastics break down faster, requiring more plastic production. This increases greenhouse gas emissions and traps more heat, accelerating global warming. The article calls for solutions throughout the plastic lifecycle to address both problems.

A report reveals US plastic factories, despite harming communities and violating pollution permits, receive massive government subsidies. These taxpayer dollars often outweigh environmental regulations, raising concerns for public health and fairness.

A report from the Centre of Climate Integrity has revealed that despite knowing, from as early as the 1980s, that recycling was not a good solution, plastic companies promoted it anyway. The evidence in the report has led experts to suggest that legal action could be taken against the industry.

Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) has released it’s annual Brand Audit report detailing the top corporate polluters for the last six years. Once again, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Unilever were named in the top 5. Greenpeace protested at Unilever’s London headquarters to mark the company issuing its results at the same time as the BFFP report.

A shocking report revealed that scientists found microplastics in every human placenta tested, raising serious concerns about health risks for babies and mothers. Researchers found many plastic types, with polyethylene (used in bags and bottles) being the most common.

Research has found that one in 10 premature births in the US may be linked to chemicals in plastics. These chemicals, called phthalates, are found in many everyday products and can disrupt hormones, potentially leading to early deliveries. Researchers estimate this could cost billions in healthcare and pose a significant health risk to babies.

Stainless steel water bottles are all the rage, but are people buying too many? This thought-provoking article explores the debate on whether reusable bottles have become a status symbol, encouraging unnecessary consumption. Any step towards ditching single-use plastic is positive, but when it is a step too far?

Think plastic comes with just an environmental price tag? Think again. The Hill has reported that a staggering $250 billion is spent every year in the US alone on health issues linked to chemicals in plastic.

This must-read report gives a clear and simple overview of all the different ways plastics end up in our food – from when it starts to grow to serving it up for dinner. It also examines what could be done to stop this happening. 

New research has revealed that the levels of plastic particles in bottled water are up to 100 times higher than previously believed.  But that’s not the only reason to avoid it: these are the 12 worst bottled water brands when it comes to false advertising and ethical issues.

After 26 tons of tiny plastic pellets were lost at sea last month, blanketing Spanish beaches, the EU is under pressure to take a hard look at how it regulates plastic transport – and who is responsible for leakages.

PBS News visited Thailand, to see how it’s coping with the influx of waste from the Global North. In this short video, we hear from a range of voices on the ground – including the former Environment Minister, who insists that Thailand cannot and should not be a dumping ground for wealthy countries.

The big beach and underwater cleanup recently organised by Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu was so impressive, it was featured in several Malay newspapers, who highlighted the community’s efforts and their 480kg haul of trash.

New York State is suing the multinational drinks company for plastic pollution. Brand Audits are being used as evidence in the case as the New York attorney general demands they reduce plastic packaging and pay for damages to health and the environment.

The EU is assuming responsibility for its plastic waste. Once formally approved, new rules will stop all exports to non-OECD countries for five years and limit them elsewhere.

Trash Hero reports from the latest Global Plastics Treaty talks in Nairobi. Despite a frustrating end to the event, our latest blogpost explains how there is still hope for progress.

A new report explains how the unregulated system of plastic offsetting allows industries to keep polluting.

A new study on 80,000 street vendors in Kolkata, India, proves a strong business case for system change. It finds that reuse systems will cut plastic and create jobs and income.

The Christmas countdown, embraced by people around the world, creates a staggering amount of unnecessary plastic waste every year. To reduce plastic waste in the festive season, read our 5 tips here.