“Plastic pollution is completely caused by human actions. That’s why we need research on perceptions of risks and benefits of plastic as well as other drivers of policy support and change, integrating a social science perspective,” said Professor Sabine Pahl.

Professor Sabine Pahl stresses that plastic pollution is mainly driven by human actions, necessitating research on public perceptions and policy drivers. Understanding these factors is crucial for shaping effective policies and encouraging widespread support for sustainable practices.

The recent report published in Science, led by experts from various fields, including marine biology and sustainability, highlights that current national legislation is insufficient to tackle the scale of the microplastic problem.

Since the term “microplastics” was coined 20 years ago, research has multiplied, revealing their pervasive presence worldwide. They have been found in over 1,300 species and are even detected in human tissues and organs, showing the extent of environmental contamination and its potential long-term consequences.

When police arrived along with the Bruce Township Fire Department, they discovered Romeo Rim employee David Spano, 42, deceased after a 12-and-a-half ton manufacturing mold had fallen on top of him off of one of the interior plant walls.

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Over the past two decades, research has increasingly shown the detrimental impact of microplastics and their pollution on ecosystems, wildlife, and potentially human health. Microplastics, once introduced into the environment, persist indefinitely and are incredibly challenging to remove.

The incident occurred on Nov. 10 at approximately 9:55 a.m.at Romeo RIM in Bruce Township, Michigan, when the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office received a report that an employee had been injured by a piece of equipment at the plant, the Sherriff's Office said in a statement.

Professor Thompson said: “After 20 years of research there is clear evidence of harmful effects from microplastic pollution on a global scale. That includes physical harm to wildlife, harm to societies and cultures, and a growing evidence base of harm to humans.”

Current estimates suggest that annual microplastic emissions could double by 2040 if unchecked, acting as a significant environmental risk well into the next century.

According to their website, Romeo RIM manufactures large product parts for the transportation market, heavy trucks, agriculture, construction and rail cars using custom injection molding and other processes.

The treaty must not only focus on national regulations but also commit to reducing plastic production and minimising microplastic emissions across the entire lifecycle of plastics.

With the upcoming United Nations’ Plastic Pollution Treaty deliberations in 2024, the report sees this as a pivotal opportunity for coordinated global action.

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“At this time, the incident appears to be a tragic accident,” said the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department in a statement released following the accident. “The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted.”

A man was crushed to death in a tragic industrial accident when a manufacturing mold weighing upwards of 25,000 pounds fell on top of him while he was at work.

The Macomb Daily said that earlier this year Romeo RIM reported that it had zero safety violations for a full year and that it was the second one-year milestone free of safety violations in less than three years.