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Food and beverage brands can find alternatives to “forever chemicals” that ensure high performance of paper and paperboard packaging that also meets sustainability goals.

States like California, New York, and Maine started the year with bans going into effect for food packaging that contains chemicals of concern, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” This leaves packaging manufacturers with the challenge of producing sustainable and chemical-free packaging that delivers the needs of its food and beverage customers. PFAS has been found to significantly affect humans, animals, and the environment, and the presence of PFAS is now raising alarm bells as they’re used in a variety of consumer products, packaging, and clothing.

As a result, manufacturers of paper and paperboard packaging are now tasked with helping food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands find suitable alternatives that meet their unique needs in performance — while also helping them achieve their sustainability goals with better-for-the-environment solutions. Additionally, the food industry faces unique hurdles in delivering on packaging that meets the criteria to withstand freezers, microwaves, ovens, and more.

Yet solutions that are more sustainable don’t have to impact performance. New technologies and chemistries are emerging to combine the performance criteria and PFAS-free packaging needs of the CPG industry. This demand for alternative options has put an emphasis on the barrier coatings of various wrappers, containers, single-use products, and other types of packaging. New coatings developed without the use of PFAS will need to perform just as well. But making the switch will allow packaging manufacturers to support their clients’ long-term sustainability goals.

Manufacturers must consider coating’s applications and efficiency.

Efficiency is always top of mind for packaging manufacturers, especially those in the food and beverage CPG industry. When developing sustainable packaging, identifying the coatings that will mimic the performance of previously used PFAS-infused coatings is critical. Luckily, providers of new technologies are able to design PFAS-free coatings that are still liquid and grease repellant.

When identifying the right coating for your package, the product inside must first be considered. Each food and beverage product or foodservice organization has unique needs. Moisture-sensitive fresh foods, reheatable foods, single-serve coffee cups, and even bakery paper each have a unique need. Determining the food product’s unique needs allows packaging teams to better test and select the appropriate coatings needed for a brand’s final packaging design.

Focus on plastic-free rises alongside PFAS-free packaging.

Concerns about the effects of plastic on the environment is a highly discussed topic. Just as regulation and demand has occurred for PFAS-free packaging, so too has the demand to see the elimination of plastic packaging as well. Consider how the state of California signed SB 54 last June, which includes cutting plastic packaging by 25% in 10 years. The need to reduce plastic from the food industry specifically even made its way to a global stage at last year’s COP 27 in Egypt.

Food packaging has heavily relied upon plastic but is now leading the transition to environmental-friendly alternatives. Paper packaging is a prominent solution because of its ability to biodegrade and decompose quickly. Paper also can be made from renewable resources and can be recycled which allows a continual cycle of production without using up the earth’s resources.

Packaging plays a role in CPG’s sustainability initiatives.

While PFAS-related regulations have ushered in new urgency to make shifts within packaging, it has also put further pressure on food brands to look more closely at the entire supply chain. As more companies put further emphasis on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and are subject to potential ESG disclosure rules, upgrades will be made across the entire value chain.

New research shows the pay-off for the brands who make the commitment. According to McKinsey, consumer spending overall has shifted toward products with ESG-related claims. Those within packaging have the opportunity to support more sustainable, safer food packaging products that will meet brands overall ESG goals, but also support consumer demand for products making advancements to offer better options.

Manufacturers will face challenges relating to performance, production, and design. But access to new technologies and chemistries can aid them in their pursuit of a more sustainable packaging process. Alternatives like paper are accessible and meet regulations and consumer expectations, which is why it is important to communicate eco-friendly changes that are made. Packaging is a vital part of any product and manufacturers need to acknowledge and meet expectations in the evolving packaging industry.

States like California, New York, and Maine started the year with bans going into effect for food packaging that contains chemicals of concern, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” This leaves packaging manufacturers with the challenge of producing sustainable and chemical-free packaging that delivers the needs of its food and beverage customers. PFAS has been found to significantly affect humans, animals, and the environment, and the presence of PFAS is now raising alarm bells as they’re used in a variety of consumer products, packaging, and clothing.

As a result, manufacturers of paper and paperboard packaging are now tasked with helping food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands find suitable alternatives that meet their unique needs in performance — while also helping them achieve their sustainability goals with better-for-the-environment solutions. Additionally, the food industry faces unique hurdles in delivering on packaging that meets the criteria to withstand freezers, microwaves, ovens, and more.https://acd06921a3687c0ba20807c9d7a55870.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Yet solutions that are more sustainable don’t have to impact performance. New technologies and chemistries are emerging to combine the performance criteria and PFAS-free packaging needs of the CPG industry. This demand for alternative options has put an emphasis on the barrier coatings of various wrappers, containers, single-use products, and other types of packaging. New coatings developed without the use of PFAS will need to perform just as well. But making the switch will allow packaging manufacturers to support their clients’ long-term sustainability goals.

Manufacturers must consider coating’s applications and efficiency.

Efficiency is always top of mind for packaging manufacturers, especially those in the food and beverage CPG industry. When developing sustainable packaging, identifying the coatings that will mimic the performance of previously used PFAS-infused coatings is critical. Luckily, providers of new technologies are able to design PFAS-free coatings that are still liquid and grease repellant.

When identifying the right coating for your package, the product inside must first be considered. Each food and beverage product or foodservice organization has unique needs. Moisture-sensitive fresh foods, reheatable foods, single-serve coffee cups, and even bakery paper each have a unique need. Determining the food product’s unique needs allows packaging teams to better test and select the appropriate coatings needed for a brand’s final packaging design.

Focus on plastic-free rises alongside PFAS-free packaging.

Concerns about the effects of plastic on the environment is a highly discussed topic. Just as regulation and demand has occurred for PFAS-free packaging, so too has the demand to see the elimination of plastic packaging as well. Consider how the state of California signed SB 54 last June, which includes cutting plastic packaging by 25% in 10 years. The need to reduce plastic from the food industry specifically even made its way to a global stage at last year’s COP 27 in Egypt.

Food packaging has heavily relied upon plastic but is now leading the transition to environmental-friendly alternatives. Paper packaging is a prominent solution because of its ability to biodegrade and decompose quickly. Paper also can be made from renewable resources and can be recycled which allows a continual cycle of production without using up the earth’s resources.

Packaging plays a role in CPG’s sustainability initiatives.

While PFAS-related regulations have ushered in new urgency to make shifts within packaging, it has also put further pressure on food brands to look more closely at the entire supply chain. As more companies put further emphasis on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and are subject to potential ESG disclosure rules, upgrades will be made across the entire value chain.

New research shows the pay-off for the brands who make the commitment. According to McKinsey, consumer spending overall has shifted toward products with ESG-related claims. Those within packaging have the opportunity to support more sustainable, safer food packaging products that will meet brands overall ESG goals, but also support consumer demand for products making advancements to offer better options.

Manufacturers will face challenges relating to performance, production, and design. But access to new technologies and chemistries can aid them in their pursuit of a more sustainable packaging process. Alternatives like paper are accessible and meet regulations and consumer expectations, which is why it is important to communicate eco-friendly changes that are made. Packaging is a vital part of any product and manufacturers need to acknowledge and meet expectations in the evolving packaging industry.

The solution is replacing PFAS packaging.

With PFAS historically being the default solution to withstand water, grease, and temperature fluctuations, a new sustainable solution has to become its replacement. Innovative companies are inciting change for manufacturer and CPG brands by matching these performance needs without the use of toxic chemicals.Impermea Materials

As food and beverage manufacturers steadily move away from PFAS in their packaging to avoid health, sustainability, and environmental risks, they must look towards solutions that are safer, durable, and ultimately more cost effective. Through creative designs with ordinary materials, brands from all industries will be able to work with safer solutions to revolutionize packaging on an industrial scale.

Source:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/food-packaging/coatings-create-sustainable-option-pfas-free-packaging

ZenWTR to add aluminum and glass bottles to the brand’s flagship made-from-ocean-bound recycled PET (rPET) bottles to meet consumers’ packaging preference.

ZenWTR staked a claim when it entered the crowded water market in 2020 as the world’s first beverage in a bottle made from 100% recycled, certified ocean-bound PET (rPET) plastic. The start-up brand launched the ultra-pure, vapor-distilled alkaline water in three rPET bottle sizes at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide on June 11, 2020.

Three years later the company is now expanding the brand’s packaging options to include aluminum and glass bottles. The reason behind the diversification is simple: give the customer what he or she wants in a sustainable package.

“Our vision is for ZenWTR to be a ‘Pantheon of Sustainability’ and consumers’ go-to brand for sustainable, premium packaged water,” Jessy Qussar, the Zen VP of marketing, informs us. “These new formats provide additional sustainable options for consumers to enjoy ZenWTR, so that, whatever your preferred package is, we have something for you.”

Consumers are not necessarily tied to a particular format; an intended use occasion may influence their choice as well.

“Acknowledging that there are a variety of factors that influencer consumers’ selections when it comes to bottled water packaging — for instance, glass bottles are not allowed on most beaches — with these new formats, we’re able to offer the water our consumers love in additional sustainable packages to meets their specific needs,” Qussar points out.

Each of the three materials has its own strengths, which are highlighted on the bottle. For example, the flagship rPET bottles call attention to the 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic on the front panel.

“We’ve also devoted space on the back panel to defining what Ocean-Bound Plastic is, and the positive impact of each ZenWTR bottle — that each is made from up to 5 recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles, that were prevented from polluting the ocean,” Qussar explains. “This is still a fairly new proposition and general awareness is relatively low.”

ZenWTR is well on its way to the goal of supporting the diversion of 50 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic by 2025. The brand lays claim as the first beverage to achieve Plastic Negative Certification and donates 1% of all sales to credible organizations focused on ocean conservation and recycling advancement in the US.

ZenWTR staked a claim when it entered the crowded water market in 2020 as the world’s first beverage in a bottle made from 100% recycled, certified ocean-bound PET (rPET) plastic. The start-up brand launched the ultra-pure, vapor-distilled alkaline water in three rPET bottle sizes at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide on June 11, 2020.

Three years later the company is now expanding the brand’s packaging options to include aluminum and glass bottles. The reason behind the diversification is simple: give the customer what he or she wants in a sustainable package.https://d365710d60baf094f7a9ac40c042fe47.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“Our vision is for ZenWTR to be a ‘Pantheon of Sustainability’ and consumers’ go-to brand for sustainable, premium packaged water,” Jessy Qussar, the Zen VP of marketing, informs us. “These new formats provide additional sustainable options for consumers to enjoy ZenWTR, so that, whatever your preferred package is, we have something for you.”

Consumers are not necessarily tied to a particular format; an intended use occasion may influence their choice as well.

“Acknowledging that there are a variety of factors that influencer consumers’ selections when it comes to bottled water packaging — for instance, glass bottles are not allowed on most beaches — with these new formats, we’re able to offer the water our consumers love in additional sustainable packages to meets their specific needs,” Qussar points out.

Each of the three materials has its own strengths, which are highlighted on the bottle. For example, the flagship rPET bottles call attention to the 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic on the front panel.

“We’ve also devoted space on the back panel to defining what Ocean-Bound Plastic is, and the positive impact of each ZenWTR bottle — that each is made from up to 5 recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles, that were prevented from polluting the ocean,” Qussar explains. “This is still a fairly new proposition and general awareness is relatively low.”

ZenWTR is well on its way to the goal of supporting the diversion of 50 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic by 2025. The brand lays claim as the first beverage to achieve Plastic Negative Certification and donates 1% of all sales to credible organizations focused on ocean conservation and recycling advancement in the US.

16-ounce aluminum bottle is the water brand’s first alternative packaging format.

The first option to the rPET bottle will be a 16-ounce Alumi-Tek bottle supplied by Ball.

“We’ll be testing the new, 100% infinitely recycled Alumi-Tek bottle at retail this year with a larger rollout in 2024,” Qussar says.

The metal bottle is also aligned with the company’s mission to help preserve our oceans.

“Although this package isn’t made from rescued ocean-bound plastic like our flagship rPET bottles, we’re working with the Plastic Credit Exchange to support programs that rescue and recycle the equivalent of five ocean-bound plastic bottles for every Alumi-Tek bottle sold,” Qussar says.

The bottles are direct printed including with copy stating they are made from “Infinitely Recyclable Aluminum.”

The brand will be adding a 1-Liter glass bottle to their product lineup as well.

The packaging design is not yet final for the glass bottle option. However, “we plan to include on-package messaging of its sustainability as well,” Qussar points out.

There’s always the risk a line extension or new stock-keeping unit could erode current sales volumes. However, Qussar doesn’t anticipate the new bottle formats will cannibalize rPET bottle sales, but instead expects quite the opposite.

“We anticipate incremental sales among consumers and retailers seeking bottled water in these additional formats,” she says.

Brand and packaging design refresh accompanied by new marketing campaign.

To support the brand refresh, ZenWTR is rolling out a new integrated marketing campaign, featuring the new packaging and the message that ZenWTR “Tastes Good, Does Good and Feels Good.”

It will include out-of-home advertising, retail and shopper marketing, and national field marketing efforts.

“We are thrilled to unveil this brand refresh, with our taste-forward and mission-centric messaging front and center,” says Lance Collins, ZenWTR founder and beverage industry veteran. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and ensuring that every sip of ZenWTR supports positive change. We know our fans love ZenWTR for our crisp, ultra-pure taste and because we make it easy to for them to do a little better for our planet. That sentiment is at the heart of our new campaign, and we plan to have some fun bringing it to life this summer.”

Source:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/beverage-packaging/plastic-metal-or-glass-zenwtr-diversifies-bottled-water-packaging

Packa-Ching, a Polyco recycling initiative supported by Shoprite, has seen over 10-million kgs of waste kept out of the landfill, with more than R10m paid out to community members.

With mobile units operating in low-income areas where recycling infrastructure is hard to come by, Packa-Ching incentivises communities to collect and recycle waste. Recyclable packaging materials, including plastic, glass, cans, and paper, are weighed, and community members are paid instantly via a cashless eWallet system. The funds can be used at any participating retailer or can be withdrawn or transferred to anyone in South Africa.

Packa-Ching launched its first mobile unit in August 2017 in Langa, Cape Town and has since expanded nationwide. The 15th Packa-Ching unit recently launched in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative’s unique model is entrepreneur-focused, and each unit is owner-operated. The programme provides an income-earning opportunity for both the community members and the waste entrepreneurs.

“Newcastle is a job-scarce area and we’ve seen the positive impact that our first unit had on our business and the community. As more people see value in recycling, the demand has grown tremendously. People can earn a living and with our new unit we’ve created five permanent jobs,” says Phila Dlamini, co-owner of Mpilenhle Packa-Ching in Newcastle.

Servicing more than 80 communities and schools across South Africa, Packa-Ching has created more than 57 new jobs since its inception via the Shoprite Group’s participation in the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative.

“Shoprite got involved when we started the Packa-Ching Mobile buy-back centre, through their sponsorship and support, we are able to pay the employees,” says John Ndava, project manager of Packa-Ching in Philippi, Cape Town. “We have created employment for them, they are able to take care of their families. The education involved helps enhance their personal development and prepares them for further opportunities within the waste and recycling industry.”

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/703/239037.html

Journey’s End Vineyards, in collaboration with Interpunkt, have launched a new wine brand packaged in sustainable paperboard bottles – a first in South Africa.

The W.O. Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, produced by Journey’s End, were launched exclusively in select Checkers, Checkers Hyper supermarkets as well as in Checkers LiquorShop stores on 31 May 2023.

Made from 100% recyclable paperboard outers, the bottles are reportedly five times lighter than a normal glass bottle alternative, with a lower carbon footprint.

As well as the evident sustainability benefits, Interpunkt also aims to make wine more engaging, accessible and inclusive, particularly for new and occasional wine drinkers, by removing the specialist and potentially intimidating language often used on labels.

The South African Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz varietals, both IPW certified, are described simply as ‘fresh and zesty’ and ‘juicy and easy drinking’ respectively.

Interpunkt founder and international wine buyer, Andrew Ingham firmly believes that the consumer should be put first, and offered delicious, sustainable wines without the fuss:

“All too often wine brands are talking and selling to one group only; the wine engaged. Yet the biggest group of wine drinkers (68%) are new to wine, occasional wine drinkers or unengaged. By introducing wine drinkers to a new accessible brand in forward-thinking packaging, which also prioritises trusted, ethically and sustainably sourced grapes, I believe we can show people that good wine is for everyone.”

Sustainable partnership

Finding like-minded partners for this project was integral to Ingham and the Interpunkt brand, and Journey’s End was approached not only for its excellent wines and acclaimed winemakers, Leon Esterhuizen and Mike Dawson, but also for its own sustainable and ethical accreditations.

The Helderberg-based vineyard has twice won the Ethical Company of the Year award in 2020 and 2021 at The Drinks Business Green Awards convened by the UK liquor trade magazine as well as the Water Management Award in 2021.

Journey’s End is also a WWF Conservation Champion, carbon negative and a founding member of Sustainable Wine Roundtable. In addition, the winery was the second in South Africa to convert to solar power in 2014.Journeys End Vineyards Cellar

Managing director of Journey’s End, Rollo Gabb, adds: “Sustainable wine production is at the very heart of what we do at Journey’s End.

“As such, we are hugely excited to be working with Andrew producing wines in a paperboard bottle for the first time in South Africa.

“After two years of trying to find a bottler who was prepared to take the challenge, slow the lines down and adapt their equipment for the paperboard bottle, we are excited to have finally found the right partner for the job in South Africa, and we are all raring to go.”

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/239113.html#

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is preparing to launch its 2L returnable bottle, also known as refillable PET or RefPET, in KwaZulu-Natal as it broadens efforts to reduce environmental waste.

Since 2019, CCBSA has launched the RefPET bottle in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North-West, Mpumalanga and parts of the Free State, and plans to further expand this offering in KZN to not only offer consumers value for money but to also play a role in driving sustainability.

“We have already launched RefPET in various provinces and are excited to be introducing the 2L returnables to the KZN market,” said Nokwanda Shabalala, CCBSA’s regional general manager for coastal region.

To help educate consumers about this sustainable reusable packaging, CCBSA brand ambassadors will be in select areas in KZN, going door-to-door showing the new RefPET packs and the value it holds for customers and the environment.

The returnable PET bottles are identifiable by a new paper label, with ‘RETURNABLE’ appearing in green on the front of the bottle.

To drive awareness among communities and households, the company will give each household a 2L RefPET sample bottle that they can exchange for a deposit when they buy any of the products available in a 2L RefPET from a local retail outlet.

Residents of the communities in which the campaign is being rolled out are encouraged to receive their free RefPet bottle per household from the CCBSA area representative.

Towards a ‘World Without Waste’

CCBSA is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), and a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company. This innovation is part of the Coca-Cola Company’s global World Without Waste Vision 2030, which together with its bottlers has committed to help collect a bottle or can for every single one it sells by 2030; use 50% recycled content in all packaging; and make 25% of its packaging reusable by the same year, while making all its packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.

Shabalala said that CCBSA is well on its way to achieving this vision and that the consumer response to the new 2L returnable PET bottles has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Where we have launched RefPET, we have seen consumers switching to purchasing the returnable 2L bottles and returning them after consumption. Our vision and annual targets are ambitious, but our results have shown us that it is possible to make a meaningful contribution towards helping create a waste-free planet,” adds Shabalala.

The recommended retail price for the 2L Coca-Cola Original Taste – Less Sugar beverage is R17 which excludes a R9 deposit. Other brands, like Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta and Stoney are also available in the new 2L returnable PET plastic bottle at a recommended retail price of R14 excluding the R9 deposit. This means a saving of around R9 per bottle, depending on where a customer purchases their beverage.

Once a bottle is returned to CCBSA, it goes on a looped journey to be cleaned in accordance with Coca-Cola’s stringent measures and requirements, then refilled to start its next lifecycle. When the bottle reaches the end of its useable lifecycle, it joins the recycling value chain and is repurposed into another PET product. One RefPET bottle can be used multiple times, and this extends the life of a bottle and reduces plastic waste that would end up in a landfill.

To keep the integrity of the bottle intact and suitable for recycling, CCBSA further urges consumers to not store foreign liquids such as paraffin, in the returnable bottles.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/238802

See a few examples of refillable and reusable packaging solutions from Keurig Dr Pepper, Heinz, and Clover Sonoma from ThePackHub’s May Packaging Innovation Briefing Report.

Recycling initiatives continue to be one of the most active sustainability areas driven by challenging Plastic Pacts around the world that are part of a three-pronged objective to deliver 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. Pending packaging taxes that require 30% recycled content are influencing change as well as the focus on stretching recycling targets.

Investment Advisory Firm Successfully Pushes Keurig Dr Pepper for More Sustainable Packaging

Green Century Funds, a responsible investment advisory firm, has successfully pushed Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) to adopt more sustainable packaging practices. The firm urged KDP to consider their single-use plastic pods’ environmental impact and invest in alternative solutions. As a result, KDP has announced a new commitment to sustainability, promising to make all K-Cup pods recyclable by the end of 2022 and to use 30% post-consumer recycled plastic in all K-Cup pods by 2025. Additionally, KDP plans to pilot a program allowing customers to return used K-Cup pods for recycling. As more investors prioritize sustainable investments, companies like KDP will continue to face pressure to adopt more eco-friendly practices. This success demonstrates the power of responsible investing in encouraging companies to prioritize sustainability.

Heinz Brazil’s new recycled PET sauce bottles are estimated to save around 700 metric tons of virgin material each year.

Heinz Brazil is moving its ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise to a new bottle that contains 30% recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material. The move, which will not affect the shape or color of the bottles, is estimated to save around 700 metric tons of virgin material per annum. The new packaging was developed in just under a year by Sao Paulo-based Valgroup, who are the largest plastic producers, transformers, and recyclers in Latin America. Because these products contain no additives or preservatives, Kraft Heinz demanded a quality PET PCR resin to guarantee the integrity of the product’s taste, smell and color. Kraft Heinz is starting to implement this change in packaging material with the Heinz brand, but the idea is to move to the company’s other SKUs. The initiative is part of the company’s global goal of producing 100% of its packaging with recycled, recyclable or compostable material by 2025.

Clover Sonoma’s new milk jugs are made with Envision’s EcoPrime food contact-approved rHDPE.

Dairy Company Clover Sonoma Moves to Jug That Contains 30% rHDPE

Californian dairy company Clover Sonoma has announced that it has moved its one gallon (3.78 litres) organic milk to a new jug that contains 30% rHDPE(recycled high-density polyethylene). The material chosen for the bottles is Envision’s EcoPrime food contact-approved rHDPE, which has been available for more than 15 years, but manufacturers and brands have been slow to adopt the material, which is believed to be due to a lack of experience running PCR (post consumer recycled) materials, and also cost, as PCR resin is 8 to 10% more expensive than virgin HDPE resin. Another challenge for milk producers seeking to use rHDPE in their milk jugs has been sourcing clear PCR content. PCR content in other consumer packaged goods products is more readily available, but food-grade PCR content less so until now. EcoPrime is made from curbside-recycled food and beverage packaging and uses a unique, patented cleaning process designed to eliminate contaminants.

Source:

https://www.packworld.com/news/sustainability/article/22865429/thepackhub-keurig-dr-pepper-heinz-and-clover-sonoma-introduce-postconsumer-recycled-packaging-solutions

UNEP, the United Nations Environment Program just sent out a press release entitled “UN roadmap outlines solutions to cut global plastic pollution”. Here’s the first paragraph:

“Plastic pollution could reduce by 80 per cent by 2040 if countries and companies make deep policy and market shifts using existing technologies, according to a new report by UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The report is released ahead of a second round of negotiations in Paris on a global agreement to beat plastic pollution, and outlines the magnitude and nature of the changes required to end plastic pollution and create a circular economy.”

First, let’s deal with the non sequitur in the room: end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. Why are plastics being singled out here? And how will ending plastic pollution create a circular economy? What exactly is plastic pollution? How prevalent is it? How does it compare to other forms of pollution in terms of environmental degradation, human health, ecosystem health, cleanup costs and potential, etc.?

Why isn’t this statement something more along the lines of “optimize source reduction and circularity in order to reduce litter, landfilling, greenhouse gas generation, and virgin material use”? Further, a circular economy shouldn’t be a goal. It should be a strategy that helps lead to a goal, something along the lines of “minimize all types of waste in order to allow the Earth and its variety of ecosystems to remain healthy, vibrant, and sustainable”.

For the sake of discussion, let’s define plastic pollution to be litter, both on land and in marine environments. In reality, litter reduction is not dependent on circularity systems, unless the systems include the carrots and sticks needed to prevent the true cause of littering — people.

No amount of recycling, EPR, deposit laws, etc. will reduce litter in the developed world. And without actual solid waste management infrastructures and similar consumer regulation in the developing world, no real progress will be made there either.

As my SPRING associate Chris Lynn pointed out to me, this report relies on global government mandates, rather than financial incentives, to create change. A key problem here is that companies and even countries can weigh the cost of mandated fines against the expectedly enormous costs of meeting the mandates, and decide to pay the penalty rather than make the required changes. Wouldn’t it be better to use taxes and other levees to create a desired path of least economic resistance?

Finally, if we are to worry about one issue that needs to be driven by global action, this one is not at the top of my list. Reducing greenhouse gas generation, driven by strategies and tactics that dramatically increase energy efficiency and decrease fossil fuel use would be a more worthy objective — especially if one wants to see significant progress by 2040.

Source:

https://packagingeurope.com/comment/a-critical-view-on-the-uns-roadmap-towards-cutting-plastic-pollution