A new Greenpeace International-commissioned poll has revealed that almost 66% of Americans support a Global Plastics Treaty aimed at banning single-use plastic packaging. 

The poll result comes ahead of the fourth UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting in Ottawa, Canada. 

The survey, which saw participation from 19,088 people across 19 countries, also revealed strong global public support for measures intended to eliminate single-use plastics and endorse reuse-based solutions. 

The global results from the survey showed that 82% of respondents were in favour of reducing plastic production to tackle pollution. 

The poll also showed that 90% of the respondents supported the transition from single-use plastic packaging to reusable and refillable alternatives while 75% backed an outright ban on single-use plastic packaging. 

Greenpeace USA Global Plastics Treaty negotiations delegation head and Global Plastics Campaign lead Graham Forbes said: “The level of public support demonstrated by this survey sends a clear message: the vast majority of people want a Global Plastics Treaty that cuts plastic production and ends single-use plastic.  

“It is time for world leaders to listen and rise to the occasion. They must stand up to the fossil fuel industry and deliver a strong and ambitious treaty that represents the will of the people or face significant political repercussions.” 

The US is one of the leading producers and consumers of plastic globally, with a 2022 report by Greenpeace USA revealing that less than 6% of plastic waste is recycled.  

In 2021, more than 51 million tons of plastic waste, including wrappers, bottles, and bags, were discarded, with approximately 95% making it to landfills, oceans, or as toxic particles in the atmosphere, according to the nonprofit.