Meghan Hodges
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with plastic production increasing 174-fold between 1950 and 2017 and projected to double again by 2040. A recent study found that 56 companies are responsible for half of the world's plastic pollution, with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Danone, and Altria-Philip Morris International being the top five polluters. While many companies have made pledges to reduce plastic pollution, most have avoided tackling the root problem of excessive plastic use. However, some companies are taking significant steps to address the issue. For instance, Coca-Cola has committed to making 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025, and Danone has successfully reduced its plastic use by 8% between 2018 and 2023. Other notable efforts include ASDA's plan to reduce plastic use and McDonald's commitment to using only renewable, recycled, or certified sustainable sources for its packaging. Additionally, The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization developing technologies to remove plastic from the oceans, aiming for a 90% reduction by 2040. While these initiatives are promising, large-scale corporate action and federal government policies are necessary to address plastic pollution effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies responsible for plastic pollution | 56 companies are responsible for 50% of the world's plastic pollution, with the top 5 being The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria-Philip Morris International |
| Company initiatives to reduce plastic pollution | The Coca-Cola Company aims to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025 and use at least 50% recycled material by 2030. Danone aims to reduce its plastic footprint by focusing on recycling efficiency and improving collection and recycling infrastructures. Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to develop shoes made from recycled marine plastic. Rubber Maid sells reusable food containers and provides tips on recycling and living sustainably |
| Duke University study findings | 72% of the top 300 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list have made voluntary commitments to reduce plastic pollution, but few have prioritized reducing their use of virgin plastic, which is the root of the problem |
| WWF initiatives | WWF is leading efforts to reduce, source, design, and reuse plastic materials, eliminate single-use plastic, and improve recycling and composting systems |
| Ocean Cleanup initiative | The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization developing technologies to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 |
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What You'll Learn
Companies are reducing virgin plastic use
Some companies are focusing on reducing their plastic footprint by improving recycling efficiency. For example, Danone reduced its plastic use by 8% between 2018 and 2023, equivalent to 62,000 tons, and increased the recyclability of its packaging.
Other companies are eliminating single-use plastics and shifting to sustainable sources. Rubbermaid, for instance, sells reusable food containers as an alternative to plastic wrap, plastic bags, and plastic bottles. ClifBar has also stopped shrink-wrapping its boxes and now uses 100% recycled paperboard.
Through its ReSource program, WWF is helping companies make an impact by connecting them with stakeholders and governments to share discoveries and investments across the plastic material lifecycle.
While many companies are taking steps to reduce virgin plastic use, Duke University researchers found that few have prioritized this issue. Between 1950 and 2017, global plastic production increased 174-fold, and it is projected to double again by 2040. Therefore, it is essential for companies to reduce plastic production and incorporate more recycled materials into their products to address the root cause of plastic pollution.
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Incentivising good behaviour through federal government action
One way to achieve this is by offering tax breaks or subsidies to companies that commit to using recycled or biodegradable materials. For instance, the US government could introduce a tax credit for businesses that switch to compostable packaging, as advocated by organisations like WWF. This would not only reduce plastic pollution but also encourage the development and use of environmentally friendly materials.
In addition to financial incentives, federal governments can also establish standards and regulations that promote sustainable practices. For example, governments could mandate that a certain percentage of a company's products or packaging must be made from recycled materials. This would create a level playing field for all companies and ensure that the environmental impact of plastic pollution is factored into business operations.
Another way to incentivise good behaviour is through public recognition and awards. Governments could highlight and reward companies that are leading the way in reducing plastic pollution, such as those that have significantly reduced their use of virgin plastics or developed innovative recycling programs. This would not only recognise their efforts but also encourage other companies to follow suit and foster a culture of sustainability.
Furthermore, federal governments can invest in research and development to support companies in their transition to more sustainable practices. This could include funding for new technologies that improve recycling processes or create biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. By partnering with companies and providing resources, governments can help accelerate the development and adoption of environmentally friendly solutions.
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Implementing waste management solutions
Some companies are already taking steps to address plastic pollution. For example, The Coca-Cola Company has pledged to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. Danone, the company behind brands such as Evian and Volvic, has also reduced its plastic use by 8% between 2018 and 2023, equivalent to 62,000 tons. They have also increased the recyclability of their packaging, with 84% of it now being recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
Other companies are focusing on eliminating single-use plastics and shifting to sustainable sources. For instance, Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to create sneakers made from recycled marine plastic. The "UltraBoost" sneaker uses an average of 11 plastic bottles, incorporating recycled plastic into the shoe laces, webbing, and lining. West Paw, a dog bed and toy company, has diverted 12.6 million plastic bottles from landfills by using IntelliLoft eco-fiber in their products.
In addition to these company-specific initiatives, organizations like the WWF are working with major companies to address plastic pollution. Their flagship program, ReSource, connects companies, stakeholders, and governments to share discoveries and investments across the plastic material lifecycle. Through the Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance (BFA), they are also advancing thought leadership on responsibly sourced bio-based plastic.
While these efforts are a step in the right direction, further action is needed to address the root causes of plastic pollution and hold companies accountable for their commitments. Monitoring and research are essential to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and ensure that companies are following through on their pledges.
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Using recycled plastic for products
For instance, Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans, a non-profit organization, to develop the "UltraBoost" sneaker made from recycled marine plastic. Each pair of UltraBoosts incorporates an average of 11 plastic bottles, with recycled plastic used for the shoe laces, webbing, lining on heels, and sock liner covers. In 2017, one million pairs of these shoes were sold, and Adidas has expressed its intention to produce all its products from recycled ocean plastic by 2024.
Another example is West Paw, which uses "IntelliLoft" eco-fiber made from recycled plastic bottles to stuff dog pillows and beds and to weave plush toys. To date, West Paw has diverted 12.6 million plastic bottles from landfills through the use of IntelliLoft. Similarly, ClifBar, a power bar company, has committed to zero waste by eliminating shrink wrap and using 100% recycled paperboard for its packaging. They have also redesigned their SHOT BLOKS packaging to save 25,000 pounds of packaging annually.
Some larger companies, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Danone, have also made pledges to increase their use of recycled materials. Coca-Cola aims to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. Danone has reduced its plastic use by 8% between 2018 and 2023 and increased the recyclability of its packaging, with 84% of it now recyclable, reusable, or compostable. PepsiCo is also working on building a circular model to recycle its product packaging.
While these efforts are commendable, it is important to recognize that reducing virgin plastic production and use is crucial to effectively addressing plastic pollution. Companies need to rethink the product cycle and prioritize reusing materials instead of one-time use, as recycling alone cannot solve the problem.
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Investing in new product development
For instance, Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans, a non-profit organization, to develop the "UltraBoost" sneaker made from recycled marine plastic. This initiative has proven popular, with one million pairs sold in 2017. Eric Liedtke, the head of Adidas' Global Brands unit, has expressed the company's ambition to extend this approach and produce all its products from recycled ocean plastic by 2024.
Another example is West Paw, whose "IntelliLoft" eco-fiber is used in dog pillows, beds, and toys, diverting 12.6 million plastic bottles from landfills.
Rubber Maid is also addressing plastic waste by selling reusable food containers as an alternative to plastic wrap, plastic bags, and plastic bottles.
Some companies are focusing on reducing plastic use in their packaging. Danone, for instance, has pledged to reduce its plastic footprint and increase the recyclability of its packaging, with 84% of its packaging now recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Similarly, ClifBar has stopped shrink-wrapping its boxes and now uses 100% recycled paperboard.
Through these investments in new product development, companies are not only reducing plastic pollution but also driving innovation and responding to consumer demands for more sustainable alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some companies that are taking action to prevent plastic pollution:
- Adidas
- Rubber Maid
- West Paw
- ClifBar
- Coca-Cola
- Danone
- PepsiCo
Adidas has partnered with the non-profit Parley for the Oceans to develop shoes made from recycled marine plastic. Their UltraBoost sneaker incorporates recycled plastic into the shoelaces, webbing, lining on heels, and sock liner covers.
WWF is leading the charge to help reimagine how we reduce, source, design, and reuse plastic materials. They are working with companies, stakeholders, and governments to share discoveries and investments across the plastic material lifecycle, advancing broader circularity goals.
The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization developing and scaling technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. They aim to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 with ocean cleanup systems and river interception technologies.
Companies can effectively reduce plastic pollution by rethinking the product cycle and aiming for reuse instead of one-time use. They should also prioritize reducing virgin plastic production and use, rather than solely focusing on downstream waste-reduction strategies such as lightweighting.
