A green group on Monday expressed concern about what it sees as insufficient public understanding towards microplastics which leads to widespread pollution in Hong Kong.

A survey conducted by the Green Council of more than 1,500 people in April and May found increasing awareness towards the issue, but it also said 40 percent of the respondents lacked knowledge about microplastics and were unaware that they were used in or released from everyday products.

Steven Choi, the council’s chief operating officer, said some common behaviours could aggravate the problem.

That includes the use of non-woven bags, with many people thinking it's environmentally friendly.

"During the production of non-woven materials, it will consume large amounts of plastic and energy and can easily break down into microplastics during the usage phrase," Choi said.

"Decomposition after disposal is also time-consuming, resulting in significant environmental burdens throughout their life cycle."

Choi also called on the public to reduce the use of single-use plastic products, as they are a major source of microplastics.