Our round-up of the month’s most important stories.
McDonald’s must switch to reusable cups in the Netherlands
Acting on an enforcement request from an environmental NGO, Dutch authorities found that the chain had been breaking plastic packaging laws in place since 2024. They must now provide reusable cups for dine-in customers by January 2027, or face fines of up to €3.75 million.
Almost 900 pieces of plastic found inside a single seabird
A 15-year study tracking plastic in shearwaters in Australia has found a record-breaking 894 pieces of plastic in one young bird – the equivalent of finding 12kg of plastic inside an 80kg human. The birds’ plastic consumption has increased dramatically over the last 5 years.
Why are plastics companies writing school lesson plans?
US industry groups are supplying teachers with free learning resources that cast plastic as safe, essential and recyclable, according to a new report, which also finds this happens most in school districts near petrochemical facilities. Senior educators have described the industry curricula as propaganda masquerading as science.
Microplastics in soil act like a Trojan horse to spread toxins
A five-year project found particles in all 227 agricultural fields tested across 11 countries, and warns their surfaces create a hotspot for interactions between plastic chemicals, microbes, pesticides and veterinary drugs, causing serious harm to the soil microbiome.
UN experts call for a blanket ban on non-essential use of forever chemicals
A report presented to the Human Rights Council says we cannot wait for conclusive proof of toxicity before acting to reduce PFAS exposure. Tracking long term accumulation is highly complex, but there is already enough evidence of harm for states to take action.
New species and old litter found 4,000 metres under the sea
Scientists exploring the Mar Del Plata canyon floor were able to document 40 previously unknown species, but on more than half their dives also found plastic pollution, including bags, fishing gear and snack wrappers.
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
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