April 24, 2025 14:30

Anyone in our industry who regularly scrolls through LinkedIn has likely come across Chris DeArmitt, an American scientist and researcher who has devoted his life to defending plastics from the wave of misinformation spread by media and social networks—countering ideological claims with scientific facts and peer-reviewed studies.

His previous research culminated five years ago in the book The Plastics Paradox, which quickly became a bestseller.

After reviewing more than 5,000 studies, DeArmitt has now published a new book, Shattering the Plastics Illusion: Exposing Environmental Myths,  offered as a free PDF download (link HERE).

The author describes the work as “the only place to find the peer-reviewed science from the year 1844 right up to the present day distilled down in a way accessible to the public, policy makers and scientists alike.”

DeArmitt tackles highly topical issues, each supported by references and a robust bibliography. Topics include the actual impact of plastics on waste generation, the nature and prevention of littering, and the myth of the floating plastic island. He also explores degradation and biodegradation, microplastic exposure (analyzing over 500 scientific studies), life cycle analysis, recycling efficiency, and the players responsible for the current wave of plastic disinformation.

Denialist or unconventional scientist operating outside the mainstream? Hard to say without having examined—as he has—the immense body of scientific literature on the topic. One thing is certain: his social media posts are always calm, well-referenced, grounded in evidence, and never polemical.
A voice worth listening to—especially in a time of environmental confusion.

Also see: Shattering the Plastics Illusion: Exposing Environmental Myths

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