Recent research from Povaddo uncovers Americans’ most pressing concerns about plastic waste, as well as the actions they are most likely to support to reduce it.
Key Insights
Americans are highly concerned about the amount of plastic waste from products and packaging, with eight-in-ten saying they are at least moderately concerned. Yet many are skeptical about corporate action, with just 11% saying companies are doing a great deal to reduce it, while half believe they are doing only a little or nothing at all.
Americans are divided on who should reduce plastic waste—roughly a third say everyone shares responsibility, another third point to companies and manufacturers, and far fewer assign it to consumers, retailers, or governments. Still, most want government to take the lead, with stricter regulations emerging as the top-supported action to reduce plastic waste.
Half of Americans (52%) are very or extremely concerned about the amount of plastic waste generated by products and packaging.
This concern is higher among college-educated (62%) and parents (56%).
Democrats and Independents are more concerned about this issue than Republicans and those with no political affiliation.
While a majority of Americans are concerned about plastic waste, only a few believe companies are doing a “great deal” to address this issue.
When it comes to who is primarily responsible for reducing plastic waste from products and packaging, 34% believe everyone shares responsibility equally, while 31% think companies and manufacturers.
Gen Z and Millennials are about twice as likely as Gen X and Boomers to believe retailers and distributors are the primarily responsible for reducing plastic waste.
While relatively few Americans see government as primarily responsible for tackling plastic waste, most still want it to lead the charge. Nearly one in three (29%) say they would most support stricter government regulations on plastic packaging— a view especially strong among Gen Z (36%) and women (31%).
Boomers are most likely to support improved recycling programs and infrastructure, while middle-income Americans are most likely to support incentives or rewards for companies that use sustainable materials.
America’s Point of View (APOV)
APOV is a thought leadership series designed to contribute to the public debate about key issues impacting society and to help organizations navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic landscape.
About This Study
Sample: n=1,001 general population adults (18+)
Methodology: Online survey
Field Dates: August 19-27, 2025
Weighting: The data was weighted by age, gender, ethnicity, race, education, income, region, and political party affiliation to match national statistics
Margin of error: ±3.1% (national level)
For further study details, please contact: info@povaddo.com
About Povaddo
Povaddo is a research firm that specializes in helping our clients develop better strategies and stronger communications to address complex issues and challenges that are facing their organizations.
For over 15 years, Povaddo has completed north of 1,000 studies – surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews – across more than 100 countries and six continents. During this time, Povaddo has developed a reputation as one of the foremost opinion research firms capable of handling projects all over the world.
Learn more about PovaddoFor business inquiries, please contact us at: info@povaddo.com
