Enjoy this post from the SSC Archives.
Many companies are committing to phasing out non-recyclable products from their packaging and distribution chains. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Danone, Dow Chemical, L’Oreal, Marks & Spencer, Mars, PepsiCo, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever have committed to ensuring 70% of plastic packaging is reused and recycled globally. This frequently used product is playing a huge role in pollution both on land and in watersheds around the world.
More than 150 million tons of plastic are already in the ocean and 8 million tons are being added each year.
At Davos, the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation released their report, The New Plastics Economy: Catalysing action, which provides a clear action plan for companies to reuse and recycle 70% of plastics, up from the current 14%. This report follows up research that states oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050 if action isn’t taken quickly to dramatically reduce the flow of plastics into our oceans, lakes, and rivers.
If you are attempting to reduce waste and pollution, check out Cut the Wrap! for various ways you can minimize—or even eliminate—packaging waste. These guidelines can help you make smarter and more sustainable packaging choices as well as provide strategies for mitigation and reduction. The paper also includes success stories from businesses of varying sizes around the world. They made the change — you can too!
At SSC we have been examining the issue of packaging for years and put together a list of our favorite resources for sustainable packaging options. We know that change can be hard and that institutional barriers may stand in the way of your company shifting gears toward greener materials when it comes to packaging products. If you are ready for one of our one-day workshops to help explain how sustainability strategy – from packaging to product sourcing to waste to energy use – can be integrated into the overall corporate direction, reach out today!