UK: A Global Hotspot of Preventable Plastic Pollution

The UK suffers from high levels of chronic plastic pellet pollution from domestic supply chain sources, including pellet producers, converters, recyclers and during handling, while also being at high risk of acute pellet pollution from marine and road pellet spills from international and domestic supply chain routes transporting pellets in and around the UK.

The risks and impacts of acute pellet spills from transport was demonstrated in March 2025, when millions of pellets were lost from a ship in the North Sea. This chronic and acute pollution has resulted in the UK environment suffering from some of the world’s worst pellet pollution. 

Plastic pellet pollution has been documented across all four nations of the UK, from Cornwall to Shetland and in 80 counties. The UK contains global hotspots of pellet pollution, such as the Firth of Forth in Scotland, where pellet pollution poses threat to the area’s diverse wildlife including: puffins, seals and the world’s largest colony of northern gannets.

In March 2025, a collision between two ships 13 miles off the east coast of England and a subsequent fire, resulted in large numbers of plastic pellets spilling into the North Sea. Over the following days, millions of pellets, both lose and melted clumps, began to wash up along the Norfolk and Lincolnshire coast. This including in the internationally important conservation area known as ‘the Wash’, posing a threat to the health of the diverse bird and marine life in this important protected area. 

The initial clean up response to the spill saw over 10,000kg of plastic removed from beaches. However many months later, pellets continue to wash up on beaches along the east coast and are likely to remain in the environment for many years to come and continue to pose a risk to wildlife.

Since 2013, volunteers, organisations and communities around the UK have taken part in over 2,700 nurdle hunts to document pellet pollution, raise awareness and call for change, with 83% of all UK nurdle hunts finding nurdles.  UK communities have reported that pellet pollution is limiting their ability to access and enjoy their local beaches, with negative consequences for wellbeing and tourism, while acute pellet spills pose a threat to local industries such as fishing, as was seen following major spills in India and Sri Lanka. 

The UK is well placed to take national action to address the ongoing issue of pellet pollution and as an OSPAR signatory and British Irish Council member, the UK has committed to preventing pellet loss. The British Standards Institute has developed PAS 510 outlining pellet loss prevention measures companies can take. Through developing national regulation and certification against these requirements and introduce a legislated supply chain approach, the UK can take important steps to prevent continued pellet pollution.  

Internationally, the UK can also play an important role in  addressing global pellet pollution. By showing leadership and advocating for a robust obligation in the UN Global Plastic Treaty and at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UK can help protect wildlife and communities from  supply chain pellet pollution whilst delivering  nature and zero waste economy commitments.