EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 5200; Flight Crew Type 1200
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Initially upon takeoff we smelt a slight burning plastic smell but it went away and we continued to ZZZ.  Approximately 20 miles from ZZZ the smell became strong and did not go away; the FA called and said she and the passengers could smell it as well. We reported the burning plastic smell to ATC and requested expedited vectors to land. They requested souls and fuel onboard and I specified we were not declaring an emergency; but supplied the information. Upon landing the fire trucks followed us to the gate and after the passengers deplaned the fireman did a sweep of the aircraft for any signs of fire. None were found so maintenance was called.Identification: A burning plastic/electrical odor became present during flight.Cause: I am unaware what the smell was but upon arrival the fire department verified they smelled the burnt electrical/plastic odor as well and it was strongest in the flight deck but could not find anything actually burning.Response: We did not don masks as there was no smoke visible so it didn't seem serious enough to require masks but later the FA and I felt a discomfort in our throats possibly from the fumes. If a similar situation happened in the future I would don O2 masks to be on the safer side.
EMB-145 Captain reported burning plastic smell during climb in passenger cabin resulting in a return to departure airport.