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One global policy: Finding gaps and solutions to combat microplastic pollution
Summary
Researchers reviewed plastic pollution laws in 195 countries and found that while most nations ban single-use plastics, very few laws actually address microplastics, the tiny plastic particles increasingly found in our food, water, and even our bodies. Wealthier countries tend to have stronger, more enforceable rules (like holding manufacturers responsible for plastic waste), while poorer countries often have bans that lack the resources to enforce them, leaving a major gap in global protection against microplastic exposure.
Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics (MPs), has emerged as a critical global challenge, posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. To address this, countries have adopted a range of policy measures, however, substantial significant disparities persist in their scope, implementation and enforcement. This review systematically analysed plastic-related policies across 195 UN-recognized countries, categorizing them into high-, middle-, and low-income economies (HIE, MIE, LIE). Results indicate that although bans on single-use plastics are the most widely implemented measures, HIEs tend to emphasize extended producer responsiblity (EPR), integration of circular economy principles, and recycling mandates. In contrast, MIEs and LIEs largely rely on bans often with limited enforcement capacity and inadequate supporting infrastructure. Regional disparities are also emerged: the EU has progressed toward harmonized regulatory frameworks,whereas many countries in Asia and Africa continue to adopt fragmented or reactive approaches. Importantly, only a small number of countries explicitly address MPs in their legislation, revealing a critical global policy gap. By mapping these variations, this study identifies best practices as well as underexplored areas, and provides a framework for developing more comprehensive, enforceable strategies to mitigate plastic and MP pollution at the global scale.