Justin Riney, MBA’s Post

Plastics are often misunderstood in environmental discussions, yet they can be more eco-friendly than many realize when used responsibly and recycled effectively. Unlike many alternative materials, plastics are lightweight, which reduces transportation emissions and energy consumption across the supply chain. In many applications, plastics also have a longer lifespan, which can minimize resource use over time. When we recycle plastics, we further reduce their environmental impact by saving energy, conserving raw materials, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to creating new plastic. Plus, advancements in recycling technology mean that more types of plastic can now be reprocessed and kept within a circular economy. By shifting our focus from single-use to sustainable, multi-use solutions, plastics can be part of a greener, more responsible approach to resource management. Click the link below for a quick read on the climate impact of plastics. #PlasticRecyclingWeek #Recycling #Sustainability #PlasticRecycling #RecyclingisReal https://lnkd.in/eVzW-FYT

As the world looks for solutions to address the plastic waste challenge, some advocates argue for a reduction or all out ban on the use of plastic. However, a recent report published in Environmental, Science & Technology notes that alternatives such as glass, paper, and aluminum may be worse for the environment based on their GHG emissions. The results of a study discussed in the report indicated that in 15 of 16 applications tested, plastic products had the lowest greenhouse gas emission impact. We rely on plastics for life-saving medical care, safe packaging for food, and many other items essential to everyday life. Applying a circular approach to plastics enables us to use and reuse them over time. That's where Encina fits in -- our technology creates circular chemicals from waste stream plastics enabling our customers to make new products. The result? Less reliance on fossil-based resources and a path forward to decarbonization for manufacturers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGUTTQvM #decarbonization #sustainability #circularity

We need to replace plastics with plastics-free alternatives! Always? In a study focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, Meng et al. (The University of Sheffield and Kungliga Tekniska högskolan) compared the use of plastic with alternative solutions across 16 applications. The results may surprise some. For 15 out of 16 applications, plastic products emit fewer GHGs than their alternatives throughout their entire life cycle. But does that mean we should always opt for plastics? It's not quite that straightforward. If you've been following our other posts, you'll know we advocate for a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), rather than solely focusing on GHG emissions. However, the core message remains unchanged. Meng et al. note: "[…] care must be taken when formulating policies or interventions to reduce plastic use […]". There's no one-size-fits-all solution. We need to gather data thoroughly and choose the most appropriate technology for each problem. Sometimes, plastic may indeed be the best option. In such cases, our focus should be on "[…] increasing the efficiency of plastic use, extending its lifespan, boosting recycling rates, and improving waste collection […]". If you are looking for the best solution to improve your sustainability, our team LCA experts (lca@comprisetec.de) will gather the data for you and if you want to go even further, the head of our integrated product development team, Lorenz Wruck (wruck@comprisetec.de) will help you with a more circular approach for your products. You can also check our website: https://lnkd.in/efNrbPq7

Did you know that plastic manufacturing now outpaces cars as the fastest-growing consumer of oil? By 2050, we’ll use more oil per person for plastic than for fueling our vehicles. At Grove, we empower our customers to reverse this trend by going Beyond Plastic. We need more business to take action together to reduce plastic waste AND curb GHG emissions. Choose reusable alternatives, support eco-friendly products, and advocate for sustainable practices. Learn more about the latest here: https://lnkd.in/gYaYx7UT

U.S. Plastics Pact recently pushed back its plastic reduction goals from 2025 to 2030. While this shift raises questions, it underscores the complexity of achieving ambitious sustainability targets. The extension should be seen as a moment of recalibration to achieve the ultimate goal: successfully reducing plastic waste. Aggressive timelines can be challenging without significant advancements in recycling infrastructure, material science, and consumer behavior change. However, the core objective remains: reducing plastic waste. I believe the answer likely lies in collaboration. Open communication and shared responsibility across the entire value chain - brand owners, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers - are not just important; they are crucial for progress. Continued innovation in recyclable packaging design will play a key role in our collective efforts. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eTVR3nq5 #USPlasticsPact #PlasticsPact #Danone #CocaCola #Nestle #Innovation #Sustainability #PlasticWaste #Innovation #Plastics #CircularEconomy

ABOUT RECYCLYING When you look at plastic recycling, mechanical recycling is great, and it has the lowest impact. But not all applications can be mechanically recycled. We also need additional technologies to recycle waste that cannot be mechanically recycled: advanced recycling technologies like dissolution, chemical recycling, pyrolysis etc. Unfortunately, these technologies are very expensive compared to producing virgin polymers. So strong, good targets will be critical to create the market, and to make sure that there’s uptake.“But at the same time, we need carrots, because the industry will need to make big investments in new technologies. And at moment, the competitive situation in Europe is very difficult, making it increasing difficult to justify them.” That’s even more clear and important! “We cannot decarbonize or in the case of plastics, de-fossilise, by exporting emissions, exporting polluting products, exporting jobs. Because A, we don’t do the planet any favours. And B, we impoverish ourselves. We hit hard our most vulnerable population, our most vulnerable regions,”

Research from the The University of Sheffield, conducted in collaboration with experts from the University of Cambridge and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, reveals that substituting plastics with alternative materials may inadvertently lead to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study, https://lnkd.in/eRckVtEt, published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology, assessed 16 applications of plastics across five critical sectors: packaging, building and construction, automotive, textiles, and consumer durables. These sectors collectively account for approximately 90% of the global plastic volume. The findings indicate that, in 15 out of the 16 applications, plastic products emit 10% to 90% fewer GHG emissions throughout their life cycle compared to their non-plastic alternatives. Futhermore, in certain applications—such as food packaging—no suitable alternatives to plastics exist. For most plastic products, increasing the efficiency of plastic use, extending the lifetime, boosting recycling rates, and improving waste collection would be more effective for reducing emissions. ENCINA is deeply invested in advanced recycling technology to combat the plastic pollution crisis and manage greenhouse gas emissions. We believe a balanced strategy is pivotal for fostering a sustainable future. #Sustainability #GreenhouseGasReduction #AdvancedRecycling

*U.S. Plastics Pact Launches Roadmap 2.0* The U.S. Plastics Pact has just unveiled Roadmap 2.0, an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the use of plastics in packaging. This new strategic plan focuses on eliminating plastic packaging waste and transitioning to a circular economy where plastics are reused, recycled, composted, and kept within the economy rather than becoming waste. *Key Achievements & Goals* : • Reduced problematic plastics from 14% to 8% • Increased recyclable packaging from 37% to 47.7% • Boosted post-consumer recycled content from 7% to 9.4% • Aiming for 50% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2030 *Why This Matters for ESG:* The actions outlined in Roadmap2.0 directly contribute to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by: • Reducing environmental impact through sustainable design and reuse • Addressing social disparities related to plastic production and use • Promoting corporate responsibility and transparency • Promoting recycling and sustainable practices fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. • Lowering the reliance on virgin plastics and increasing recycled content helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine a world where all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable! 🌟 Companies globally can take similar steps, driving ESG goals and making a positive impact on our planet. 🌏 Let’s discuss: What steps can companies in other countries take to promote a circular economy and meet ESG targets? Comment below! #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #GreenFuture #CorporateResponsibility #EcoInnovation #PlanetFirst #ESG #SDG #Climatechange https://lnkd.in/dbCzDvyA Disclaimer: The Content in this post is for informational purposes only derived from references and does not constitute any professional advice. We do not claim ownership of any data or Information referenced

According to a new report surveying 225 companies’ plastic-related sustainability efforts, there are zero companies making at least $1B in annual revenue who are doing enough to reduce, reuse, and/or recycle plastics. Of the companies assessed and scored by As You Sow and Ubuntoo, none received an “A” grade, and nearly 50% failed. The best grade awarded to a major company was a B+. This scorecard judged companies on their combined efforts toward plastic reduction, material reuse, and recycling expansion. The results are glaring: major companies are failing to live up to their sustainability commitments, and they must do more. The authors of the study suggest that companies focus on six areas of improvement, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). At Polycarbin, we see how EPR legislation - which requires producers to take responsibility for the end of life of their products - is increasingly prevalent in the US, Europe, and beyond. Companies need to prepare for the changing legislative landscape as governments embrace EPR. Thinking critically about a product’s end of life and designing thoughtful solutions is a pathway to a cleaner planet and, hopefully, higher grades on future plastic scorecards. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ec856VtH #circularity #plastics #EPR

♻ Plastic Sustainability, key topic for a key industry ✈ A few days ago was Earth Day, and although it shouldn't be just the one day a year occurence (when is it not Earth Day after all?), a lot of companies have shown their intents and policies in alignment with Net-Zero and Sustainable goal. French Air Traffic Control have also chipped in their effort this week with their strike, cancelling my flight to France amongst many others. I feel patriotic! On a more serious note, I wanted to highlight the innovative efforts by David Gardner and Andrea Paulillo in doing their bit for plastic sustainability. As you might know Plastics are a major subject in today's society and habits, and this article emphasizes not to demonise it, but working to address our usage habits. The highlighted project in this article, Gardner's Upstream, aims to reduce litter and microplastics through advanced waste management technologies and the development of bio-based alternatives. Paulillo, from UCL, leverages life-cycle assessments to explore environmental trade-offs in technologies converting waste into energy and useful products, such as hydrogen. Both are significant projects highlighting the crucial role of chemical engineers in merging profitability with long-term environmental stewardship. Oh, and if you are interested in working in Plastics Circularity in Belgium (and have a polymer chemistry background) , I have a role for you! Happy #sustainablewednesday!