A survey commissioned by A Plastic Planet has revealed that more than 9 in 10 Britons want a plastic-free aisle in supermarkets.
Populus survey of 2,000 UK adults was carried out see whether people support or oppose the introduction of an aisle in supermarkets that would feature only those products which are free of plastic packaging.
91% of the respondents said that they supported the idea.
Separately, about four in five (81%) of the people surveyed stated their concern at the amount of plastic packaging that was being thrown away in the country.
Highest support for the move to have supermarkets aisles with plastic-free packaging had come from the North East, with 96% of the survey respondents supporting the move.
The survey also showed that women supported the move slightly more than men did, at 92% and 91% respectively.
The demographic of people aged 65 or over were more likely to support the measure than any other age group in the respondents group. About 94% of senior citizens supported the move, while 89% of people between the ages 25-34.
Looking from a geographic perspective, people from Wales showed the highest concern with 86% of adults stating that they were worried about the amount of plastic packaging that is being thrown away.
A Plastic Planet co-founder Sian Sutherland said: “It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Great British Public wants a fresh alternative to goods laden with plastic packaging. Too much of our plastic waste ends up in oceans and landfill.
“Consumer demand for products that generate less plastic waste is higher than ever. A Plastic Free Aisle would help supermarkets meet the needs of shoppers who are fed up of buying products covered with layer after layer of throwaway plastic.
“For years we’ve able to buy gluten-free, dairy-free, and fat-free, so why no plastic free?”
Bangor University School of Ocean Sciences Hilary Kennedy said: “There is a growing body of evidence that plastic waste poses a global challenge, directly affecting marine life and ecosystems.
“A Plastic Free Aisle in supermarkets would help encourage a reduction in the amount of plastic waste being dumped in our environment.”
