Marine plastic pollution: research

1. Introduction

Marine Scotland commissioned research on the plastic value chain in Scotland to understand the trade-offs and key decision points of businesses. The aim of this was to identify opportunities for effective Scottish Government actions to tackle the marine plastic problem. Whilst consumer behaviour receives regular attention in the littering and plastic pollution policy discussions, little is known on the options, drivers and barriers faced by businesses that indirectly or directly lead to marine plastic pollution. The specific objectives of the research were to:

• Identify key points and decisions in the supply chain where plastic leakages occur or are derived from and a review of why this happens.
• Provide a review of the drivers, barriers and current support provided towards preventing marine plastic pollution.
• Present conclusions on effective levers for the Scottish Government to reduce marine plastic pollution.

Resource Futures were commissioned to carry out this research project. The research would not have been possible without the stakeholder engagement across industry and third sector organisations.