Polls find UK public concerned about microplastic pollution

The first poll, commissioned by Xeros Technology, found that 80 per cent of the of 1,500 adults polled are concerned about the impact of microplastics on the environment and human health, and 60 per cent said they do not feel the UK government is doing enough to tackle plastic pollution, including that of microplastics.

A separate poll, commissioned by Matter, found that 78  per cent of 2,068 adults polled believe microfibre filters should be made mandatory on all new washing machines sold in the UK, and 58  per cent would be willing to pay more for a washing machine that comes with a microfibre filter.

The opinion polls were conducted ahead of the launch of a whitepaper challenging the government to do more to tackle microplastic pollution by mandating for filters in all new washing machines.

The whitepaper, co-authored by A Plastic Planet, Matter, PlanetCare, Xeros Technology, and the 5 Gyres Institute, will be presented to politicians at an event to be hosted by Matter in the House of Lords.