20 February, 2026

Plastic is so woven into modern life that we barely notice it anymore. Beyond the obvious places, it quietly shows up in everyday items, like clothes, furniture, cosmetics, coffee cups and takeaway containers. An upcoming Netflix documentary, The Plastic Detox, asks us to stop and  look at where plastic appears in our lives, and what all that plastic is doing, both to the planet and to us. 

The film, premiering on 16th March, explores how plastic production and waste affect ecosystems and communities, and the challenge of breaking free from materials designed to last forever in a world that urgently needs them not to. Beyond the environmental impact, the documentary also looks at how plastics affect our health as they’ve become embedded in everyday routines, shedding microplastics and chemical additives that we ingest, inhale and absorb, often without realising it. Scientists interviewed in the documentary link this constant, low‑level exposure to a wide range of health concerns. 

By following six couples attempting to reduce the amount of plastic in their daily lives, the film asks whether small, practical changes – reducing exposure, choosing different materials, rethinking design – might add up to something more meaningful, both for individual health and for our planet. 

We’re particularly pleased to see this documentary on Netflix. With its global reach and ability to set the cultural agenda, Netflix plays a powerful role in shaping what audiences see as relevant, credible and worth paying attention to. By commissioning documentaries like The Plastic Detox, it brings environmental issues into living rooms worldwide and makes systemic challenges feel relevant to our everyday lives. It’s a great example of responsible and environmentally conscious programming that we’re looking forward to watching. 

By Lucy Bell