Food and drink plastics dominate beach litter across the globe

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-05-21 01:00

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Food and beverage plastics, such as plastic food packaging, caps/lids, and plastic bottles, are the most common type of shoreline litter, followed by plastic bags and cigarettes, according to a global assessment of marine plastic pollution. Researchers analysed more than 5,300 shoreline surveys across 112 countries and found items such as food packaging, plastic bottles and bottle caps ranked among the most common forms of debris in most nations studied. Plastic bags and cigarette butts were also frequently found. The researchers say the findings highlight the need for policies targeting single-use and short-lived plastic products before they enter the environment.