8 in 10 Urban Indians polled endorse a ban on Single Use Plastics: Attitudes towards Single Use Plastics Ipsos Global Survey

Ipsos Global Survey on Attitudes towards Single Use Plastics shows, at least 8 in 10 urban Indians (83%) would like a complete ban on usage of Single Use Plastics (SUP) at the earliest. Interestingly, India is placed 6th in the pecking order among 28 markets supporting the ban. The markets favoring the ban most were Colombia (89%), Chile (88%) and Mexico (88%). Japan was at the bottom of the heap with only 37% favoring the ban on SUPs and 54% opposing. Global country average for 28 markets showed that at least 3 in 4 citizens (75%) supported the total ban on SUPs.

Commenting on the findings, Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India said, "It is good to see a majority of Indians being responsible citizens and endorsing a total ban on Single Use Plastics. This transformation has come about after years of campaigning and drive in educating on the harmful effects of Single Use Plastics on the environment and to marine life. After all, Circa 2022 is also the year when India redeems its pledge of banning Single Use Plastics by instituting a complete ban by July 1st, 2022."

Product Stewardship ResponsibilityThe survey further emphasized on placing the onus on manufacturers – majority of urban Indians (86%) and global citizens (85%) hold the manufacturers and retailers responsible for reducing, reusing and recycling of plastic packaging. The markets endorsing the most were Brazil (90%), China (90%), Great Britain (90%) and Mexico (90%). India was placed 16th in the pecking order. 

"Manufacturers and retailers to a large extent are taking the bull by the horns and shifting to reusable alternatives to Single Use Plastic Products (SUPPs). Like cloth bags for shopping,  multiple use plastics (which delay the impact on environment), recycled alternatives, to reduce the carbon footprint. Notably, a number of our studies for our clients have shown that consumers consciously choose brands that are more socially responsible," said Pallavi Mathur Lal, Senior Client Director, Ipsos India.  Reducing plastic packaging wasteThe survey too further corroborated the fact with at least 8 in 10 urban Indians (82%) stating their preference for products using minimal plastic packaging. Markets agreeing most were China (92%), Mexico (92%), Colombia (92%) and Chile (90%). 

How about an internationally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution?

Interestingly, the survey found strong support for a globally binding treaty for the combat of plastic pollution. 9 in 10 urban Indians (91%) were found to be favoring the treaty. The markets endorsing the treaty most were of Mexico (96%), Peru (95%) and China (95%). 88% of global citizens polled favored an internationally binding treaty for the combat of plastic pollution. 

"With the coronavirus under control and reaching the endemic levels, most governments will now focus on the environment issues of reducing the carbon footprint and choosing green alternatives and of course this year we’ll see stringent measures on the implementation of the single use plastics ban. The issue of plastic pollution is staring us in the face, considering the mega tonnes of plastic waste generated by India – a mind boggling 23,940 tonnes of plastic waste per day and about 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste in a year. And while 60 per cent of the plastic waste is collected and recycled, about 40 per cent is believed to be uncollected and littered in the environment. An international treaty on plastic pollution could be the solution to the plastic pollution menace, as it could bring in the accountability factor by markets," added Adarkar.