One Million Tons a Year and Counting: The Shocking Reality of Plastic Additives in Our Oceans

At PlasticBusters, we are committed to highlighting pivotal research and initiatives that are tackling the pressing issue of plastic pollution. Today, we spotlight the groundbreaking work of EA Earth Action, a Swiss research organization that has shed light on the substantial leakage of plastic additives into our oceans.

EA Earth Action's latest report reveals a staggering one million tons of plastic additives find their way into the marine environment annually. These additives, which are introduced during the manufacturing process, account for 116 kilotons of pollution from packaging alone. Beyond packaging, everyday items like textiles and vehicle tires contribute approximately 37 and 35 kilotons, respectively, to the ocean's pollution each year​.

The severity of this issue is magnified by the fact that the majority of these additives remain untested, unregulated, and are linked to serious health concerns, including obesity, fertility issues, and cancer. EA Earth Action is advocating for greater transparency in product composition and the expansion of efficient waste management practices globally. This call to action is particularly timely, as it precedes the third session of the UN Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations (INC-3), where EA Earth Action urges policymakers to prioritize the issue of plastic additives​1​.

“Plastic additives potentially have greater environmental and health impacts than the plastic itself.”

Their report is not just a compilation of alarming statistics; it is a clarion call for comprehensive action. Julien Boucher, the founder of EA Earth Action, emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to address plastic pollution and its additive leakage. This sentiment is echoed by Maria Westerbos, founder of the Plastic Soup Foundation, and Sian Sutherland, co-founder at A Plastic Planet and the Plastic Health Council, who both stress the urgency of international collaboration to mitigate this crisis and safeguard human health for future generations​​.

EA Earth Action's commitment to environmental advocacy extends beyond research. They reinvest their profits and talent to launch initiatives encouraging action against environmental threats. Their approach combines rigorous scientific research with the mobilization of local and global stakeholders, fostering collaboration and collective action for a sustainable future​.

One of their notable initiatives is Plastic Overshoot Day, marking the date when the world's plastic waste exceeds our capacity to manage it, leading to environmental pollution. In 2023, Plastic Overshoot Day fell on July 28th, signaling an urgent need for action. EA developed this initiative to support UN Plastics Treaty negotiators and other global actors in their efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis​​.

“Uncertainties and a lack of transparency remain significant obstacles to studies of additives. This study highlights critical gaps in the understanding of the issue, emphasizing the pressing need for increased transparency and data accessibility.”

Additionally, their Swiss Climate Action initiative aims to identify and execute effective solutions to combat climate change in Switzerland, seeking to engage representatives from the entire Swiss ecosystem and develop tailored strategies​​.

Moreover, the Plastic Footprint Network (PFN), facilitated by EA Earth Action, enables organizations to understand their plastic footprint, offering a unified platform for sourcing data and metrics on plastic pollution. This network, supported by a wide array of environmental stakeholders, provides a clear methodology and expert support to measure and mitigate plastic pollution​.

EA Earth Action's work is a testament to the power of informed research and collective effort in tackling environmental crises. As we at PlasticBusters continue to fight against plastic pollution, we draw inspiration from such dedicated organizations, recognizing that together, we can turn the tide against this toxic threat to our oceans and our health.

Link to the full report.

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