Reducing Corporate Plastic Pollution: Strategies For A Greener Future

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from corporations and individuals alike. With plastic waste littering our landscapes and waterways and oceans, it is high time to discuss what we can do to reduce corporate plastic pollution and its detrimental impact on the environment. While individuals can make conscious choices to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic, corporations hold the key to implementing large-scale changes that can significantly curb plastic pollution. In this discussion, we will delve into the measures that corporations can take to address this global crisis and explore the potential for innovative solutions that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Reduce the use of virgin plastic

Virgin plastic is a major contributor to the world's plastic pollution crisis. It is made from raw materials derived from fossil fuels, such as petroleum or natural gas, and its production has severe environmental impacts. To reduce corporate virgin plastic pollution, companies can take several actions:

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Companies can reduce their use of virgin plastic by minimizing plastic packaging and switching to recycled materials. This includes using post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic products. For example, companies can switch to recyclable or compostable packaging and encourage the use of plastics that allow for better recycling rates.

Set Time-Bound and Measurable Commitments

Corporations should set clear and specific goals for reducing virgin plastic consumption, with defined timelines and measurable targets. This allows for accountability and ensures progress is made towards a net reduction in plastic pollution.

Increase Investment in Recycling Technologies

Investing in waste collection and recycling technologies is crucial. This includes processes like mechanical and advanced recycling, which can transform plastic waste into high-quality, food-safe recycled plastic. By investing in these technologies, companies can ensure a steady supply of PCR for their products.

Prioritize Sustainability Over Profit

Companies should recognize that short-term cost savings from using virgin plastic can lead to greater plastic pollution and environmental harm. By prioritizing sustainability and the reduction of virgin plastic use, businesses can contribute to a circular economy and create long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Encourage Innovation

Corporations should embrace innovation and explore alternative materials to conventional plastics. This includes natural materials such as paper, cotton, wood, algae, and fungi, as well as new generation bio-polymers made from biomass sources. By encouraging innovation, companies can develop more sustainable products and packaging.

Collaborate with Governments and Industries

Working with governments and industries can help drive systemic change. Companies can support and comply with legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution, such as bag taxes or bans. Additionally, collaborating with other businesses through initiatives like the UK Plastics Pact can create momentum for change and help establish industry standards for sustainable plastic use.

By implementing these strategies, corporations can significantly reduce their use of virgin plastic and contribute to mitigating the global plastic pollution crisis.

Phase out single-use plastics

Phasing out single-use plastics is a critical step in reducing corporate plastic pollution. This involves moving away from disposable items designed for one-time use before being discarded, such as plastic bags, straws, coffee cup lids, and plastic cutlery. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Encourage Reusable Alternatives: Businesses and consumers can embrace reusable options instead of single-use plastics. For instance, consumers can bring their own tote bags for shopping, reusable coffee mugs, or their own cutlery when ordering takeout. Businesses can incentivize this behaviour by offering discounts to customers who bring their own containers or opt for reusable packaging.

Support Legislation and Policies: Governments play a pivotal role in phasing out single-use plastics. Supporting and advocating for policies that ban or tax single-use plastics can be effective. For example, California proposed legislation to phase out single-use plastic food containers and packaging by 2030, following its previous successful ban on plastic straws and bags. Such legislative actions can inspire similar measures in other states and countries.

Corporate Commitments: Many companies are recognizing the importance of reducing their plastic footprint and are voluntarily committing to phase out single-use plastics. For instance, Trader Joe's is phasing out single-use plastic bags and replacing plastic produce bags with biodegradable options. Other companies, such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble, have also made similar pledges. Supporting and encouraging more companies to make these commitments can have a significant impact.

Innovate Packaging: Businesses can explore innovative packaging solutions that are more sustainable and recyclable. For example, companies can switch to biodegradable materials or compostable packaging. They can also simplify their packaging designs to make them easier to recycle and ensure that plastic products are made from recycled materials.

Consumer Awareness and Pressure: Consumers have the power to influence corporate practices. By raising awareness about the negative impacts of single-use plastics and actively choosing companies that offer sustainable alternatives, consumers can pressure businesses to phase out single-use plastics. This can be done through social media campaigns, petitions, and conscious purchasing decisions.

Phasing out single-use plastics requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, and governments. By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce corporate plastic pollution and move towards a more sustainable future.

Increase recycled content in products

Increasing the recycled content in products is a key strategy for reducing corporate plastic pollution. This approach can be effective when paired with shorter-term strategic planning and reliable sources of recycled materials. However, it is important to note that simply increasing the use of recycled content without reducing the production of virgin plastic may not lead to a net reduction in plastic pollution.

To optimize the use of recycled content, companies can employ a few strategies. Firstly, they can focus on using recycled or recyclable plastic in their products and packaging. This involves including more recycled plastic in their products and marginally reducing the volume of plastic used in packaging, a practice known as lightweighting. While lightweighting can be beneficial, companies must ensure that any savings from using less plastic are not reinvested in creating more plastic products, as this would negate the positive impact.

Another strategy is to create products that are easily recyclable and contain recycled content. This can be achieved by using recycled materials collected from consumers or businesses through recycling programs or from waste recovered during the manufacturing process. For example, Procter & Gamble produced recyclable shampoo bottles made with up to 25% recycled beach plastic.

Additionally, companies can work towards phasing out single-use plastic products and replacing them with reusable alternatives. This not only reduces plastic waste but also encourages consumers to adopt more sustainable habits. For instance, Swedish furniture chain IKEA has pledged to phase out single-use plastic products and ensure that all its plastic products are made using recycled materials.

Furthermore, companies can increase consumer recycling rates by promoting product transformation salience. This involves helping consumers understand how recyclables are transformed into new products, inspiring them to recycle more. Research shows that when consumers see how recycled materials are used to create new products, they are more likely to recycle.

Finally, companies can collaborate with other organizations to develop innovative solutions. For example, the UK Plastics Pact, which includes companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Unilever, aims to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic packaging and increase the effective recycling of plastic waste. By working together, companies can create systemic change and develop bold, new business models that prioritize sustainability.

Encourage reuse and repair

Encouraging the reuse and repair of plastic products is a key strategy in reducing corporate plastic pollution. Here are some ways in which this can be achieved:

Corporate Initiatives

Businesses can play a pivotal role in encouraging reuse and repair by incorporating these concepts into their product design and packaging. For instance, companies can design products that are easily repairable and have replaceable parts, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, they can shift towards using recyclable plastics, such as PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP, in their packaging. This ensures that the plastic can be reused through recycling processes.

Some companies have already taken steps in this direction. For example, Volvo has committed to using at least 25% recycled materials in their new car models from 2025, while Procter & Gamble produced the first recyclable shampoo bottle made with recycled beach plastic.

Consumer Behaviour

Encouraging reuse and repair also involves educating consumers about their purchasing decisions and product care. Consumers can be encouraged to buy products that are designed for durability and repairability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, consumers can be incentivized to return used products to the manufacturer for refurbishment or recycling, ensuring that the plastic is reused.

Government Policies

Governments can play a crucial role in encouraging reuse and repair through policies and regulations. For instance, governments can introduce taxes or levies on single-use plastics, making them less attractive to consumers and businesses. They can also provide financial incentives, such as tax rebates or research grants, to companies that explore alternatives to plastic or develop innovative reuse and repair models.

Furthermore, governments can support the development of a unified recycling system, making it easier for consumers to understand what can be recycled and how. This would reduce contamination in the recycling process, ensuring that more plastic can be effectively reused.

Community Initiatives

Community initiatives and local programs can also promote reuse and repair. For example, local repair cafes or workshops can be organized, where people can bring their broken plastic items for repair instead of discarding them. Community education programs can also raise awareness about the importance of reuse and repair, providing practical tips and suggestions for reducing plastic waste.

Corporate Partnerships

Corporations can also collaborate with sustainability organizations or non-profits to develop innovative reuse and repair models. For instance, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastic Economy Initiative aims to create a protocol for the industry, encouraging companies to design packaging that is simpler and more suitable for end-of-life recycling.

Support extended producer responsibility

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a strategy that can be used to reduce corporate plastic pollution. EPR is a policy tool that makes producers legally and financially responsible for mitigating the environmental impacts of their products and packaging throughout the product life cycle. This means that producers are responsible for the upstream impacts of the selection of materials for their products, the impacts of the manufacturing process, and the downstream impacts from the use and disposal of the products.

EPR has been recognised as a critical instrument in increasing the collection and recycling rate of waste, encouraging more sustainable product design, and promoting circularity on a global and national level. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has partnered with the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund to increase global and national capacity to develop, implement and mainstream EPR approaches for plastic products. This collaboration aims to develop global EPR guidelines, operational manuals, and supporting toolkits to harmonise EPR approaches.

EPR can create jobs, reduce waste, preserve natural resources, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the financial burden on municipalities and agencies tasked with waste management and recycling. Packaging EPR programs are the most common globally, with more than one billion people living in places where consumer goods companies pay some or all of the costs of packaging collection and recycling.

However, for EPR to be effective in reducing waste, it must include specific reduction requirements and standards for recyclability, recycled content, and the elimination of toxic substances. For example, while the European Union has had an EPR for packaging directive in place for years, it has seen no reduction in packaging waste, although recycling rates have improved. Many EU countries are now adding specific waste reduction targets to their EPR systems to improve their effectiveness.

In the United States, EPR is gaining popularity, and there are calls to shift the cost of cleaning up plastic pollution from taxpayers to the companies that make and use plastic. However, EPR legislation must be designed correctly to achieve the desired outcomes. EPR may also make products more expensive, as the cost of managing waste must be considered before the product is put on the market.

Overall, supporting extended producer responsibility can be an effective strategy to reduce corporate plastic pollution, but it must be implemented with careful consideration and in combination with other approaches.

Frequently asked questions