Plastic has been demonised in recent years, with alarming reports of microplastics showing up in our bloodstreams (nationalgeographic.com) and a general consensus that eliminating plastic would solve all our environmental issues. But is that really the case? The bigger picture is much more complicated. While plastic pollution is a significant problem, other factors also contribute to our environmental crisis. Let’s take a deeper look.
The Real Issue: Lack Of Recycling Infrastructure
Plastic pollution is undoubtedly a dire threat. In the UK, annual plastic production contributes significantly to environmental issues, with a substantial portion being single-use plastics. Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our landfills and oceans, exacerbating the environmental crisis. Compounding this issue is the inadequacy of recycling infrastructures globally, where only 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled (Columbia Climate School) (NPS Homepage).
Who Holds the Key to Change?
Individuals: Empowering ourselves to make eco-friendly choices daily, such as reducing single-use plastics and opting for sustainable alternatives as well as demanding better recycling facilities.
Corporations: Implementing sustainable practices that lead the way for industry-wide change, including rethinking packaging designs and adopting circular economy and zero waste principles.
Elimination: Corporations should also stop producing plastic that is not able to be recycled due to contaminants which contributes to the global waste problem.
The UK Recycling Landscape
The UK’s recycling system faces significant challenges. Despite various policies and initiatives, only 44.4% of plastic waste was recycled in 2021 (Policy@Manchester). The UK has over 391 local authorities, each with different recycling rules, creating confusion and inefficiencies (Manchester University). Moreover, the recycling infrastructure requires substantial investment to meet demand. Current infrastructure needs to be increased by up to nine times to effectively process food-grade plastic packaging (RECYCLING magazine).
Key Issues:
Lack of Standardisation: Inconsistent recycling practices across local authorities lead to inefficiencies and low recycling rates due to confusion. (Manchester University).
Insufficient Infrastructure: The UK's recycling facilities are inadequate to handle the current volume of plastic waste, necessitating significant upgrades (RECYCLING magazine).
Policy and Funding Gaps: Existing policies, such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), lack clarity and sufficient funding allocation to ensure effective recycling (British Retail Consortium).
Current Trends and Actions
The global narrative is shifting towards more sustainable practices. In the UK, the government has introduced several key policies:
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This policy places the financial responsibility for waste management on producers, encouraging them to design more sustainable packaging and reduce plastic waste.
Plastic Packaging Tax: Introduced in April 2022, this tax applies to plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content, aiming to increase the use of recycled materials.
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): Expected to be implemented in 2025, this scheme incentivises consumers to return their used plastic bottles and cans by providing a small monetary refund.
Single-Use Plastics Ban: Various bans on single-use plastics, including plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds, are part of efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable alternatives.
What Can We Do?
Opt for Sustainable Packaging: Transition to materials like Kraft paper tape, compostable bags, and other biodegradable options to reduce your plastic footprint.
Support Green Businesses: Choose products from companies committed to reducing their environmental impact. Supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability encourages broader industry changes.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to leading by example, focusing on:
Partnering with Sustainability Pioneers: Collaborating with innovators in sustainable practices.
Prioritising Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Offering and innovating the most eco-friendly packaging options available such as our eco foam made with 70% recycled plastic bottles.
Educating Customers: Informing about the benefits and importance of choosing sustainable packaging options and best practices.
The Truth
Plastic itself is not the issue; the lack of adequate recycling facilities and infrastructure leads to much of the plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans. Addressing this infrastructure gap is crucial for effective waste management.
The Solution
Everyone has a role in addressing the global waste problem. Consumers must take charge of their recycling practices, opt for packaging that is easier to recycle, not buy things that cannot be recycled, and demand better recycling resources.
Plastic, when managed correctly, is an effective packaging material due to its durability and lower emissions during production compared to some alternatives. The challenge lies in how we handle plastic waste.
By working together, individuals and corporations can drive meaningful change in the fight against plastic pollution, creating a sustainable future for all.