Inside the Plastic Industry's Battle to Win Over Hearts and Minds
Briefly

A trove of leaked documents reveals that the petrochemical and plastics industry, particularly NAPCOR, has actively campaigned against rising anti-plastic sentiment among younger consumers. The documents detail a strategic effort to mask their involvement and present arguments in a way that appears organic, countering the growing concern about plastic's environmental impact. The leak highlights the industry's fear as nations discuss a potential global treaty aimed at reducing plastic production, a move the industry is strongly opposing.
Documents show NAPCOR's campaign is aimed particularly at young audiences, employing influencers on platforms like TikTok to disseminate misleading information about plastics. In one instance, an influencer claimed that PET bottles represent a closed-loop system, which misrepresents the reality of plastic waste management. This tactic reflects the broader strategy to capture youth attention and present pro-plastic narratives as genuine consumer sentiments, further complicating the debate around plastic use and environmental responsibility.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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