Structural barriers to reducing single-use plastics

Marine litter remains a persistent environmental challenge despite regulatory intervention and public awareness, particularly regarding single-use plastics (SUP). While current policy approaches have emphasised bans, labelling, and individual responsibility, less attention has been paid to how consumption contexts enable or constrain behavioural change. This study aimed to examine patterns of SUP use in relation to knowledge of marine litter and perceived barriers, using data from a cross-sectional survey (n = 525) conducted across multiple European countries within the Horizon Europe SeaClear 2.0 network. The survey combined descriptive and inferential quantitative analyses of knowledge, emotions, and self-reported behaviour with qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Results show high levels of marine litter knowledge (over 89% correct responses across knowledge items) and strong emotional concern, with 81.0% of respondents reporting worry and 77.5% reporting sadness or guilt when encountering marine litter. Willingness to pay for more sustainable products was also high (86.1%). Despite nearly one-quarter of respondents (23.8%) expressing commitment to zero-waste practices, 66.9% reported frequently choosing single-use plastics for convenience. Respondents most frequently identified structural barriers to reducing SUP use, particularly limited access to reusable products (67.6%) and the convenience of plastic-based retail systems (51.2%). Qualitative responses revealed frustration with plastic packaging, mistrust in recycling systems, and strong calls for systemic rather than individual responsibility. These findings suggest that reported SUP use is associated with material provisioning systems, rather than reflecting only limited knowledge or motivation.