Read all about why a growing global group of people and organisations is calling for a ban on cigarette filters

The newest and most relevant insights

An increasing number of individuals and organisations are expressing concern about (plastic) cigarette filter pollution — and justifiably so. There are numerous strong and evidence-based reasons to support a ban on cigarette filters.

Quantity

Cigarette filters are by number the largest form of plastic pollution worldwide
They’ve polluted land and water since the 1950s.
Even with 90% proper disposal, billions would still enter the environment each year — awareness alone isn’t enough.
Large-scale cleanup is impossible.

Costs

Cigarette filter pollution is estimated to cost US$26 billion/year in waste management and marine ecosystem damage worldwide
The effect on water and soil quality is yet to be investigated

Toxicity

Cigarette filters release thousands of toxic chemicals, many of which leach into water and soil.
One butt can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of water with hazardous nicotine levels.
Filters harm plants, animals, and microbes, affecting growth, reproduction, and ecosystem balance.
Most filters are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic that breaks into micro- and nanoplastics and barely biodegrades.
Even unused filters can be toxic to some plants and invertebrates.
Even unsmoked cellulose acetate filters can be toxic to some invertebrates and plants

Deception

Cigarette filters don’t reduce harm from smoking: research has confirmed that filters never made smoking safer, but instead imposed additional health hazards
Cigarette filters are a design flaw, being merely a marketing tool to sell more cigarettes
Cigarette filters are an unnecessary product
Cigarette filters with filters splintered can cause smokers to inhale plastic fibers