Sorting Fact from Fiction: Can Plastic Packaging and the Circular Economy Co-Exist?
Gerald Rebitzer
Passionate sustainability leader driving positive change in business by leveraging science and ethical values
At this year’s Sustainable Retail Summit, I asked a simple but profound question: can plastic packaging and the circular economy ever co-exist?
Brand owners and retailers I spoke with at the Summit agreed that there is considerable confusion about the use of plastics in packaging, and the use of alternative materials. It comes as no surprise then that this confusion has resulted in several myths surrounding plastic packaging, for example:
“Banning the use of plastic in packaging is the best way to alleviate plastic pollution.”
Plastic is a high-performing material and ensures protection for a range of applications across the likes of medical, pharma, food and beverage, so that they’re safe for people to use. And when designed well, this is with minimal material use and low carbon footprint. Currently, there is no quick and easy substitute for plastics that is free of significant drawbacks, such as increased food waste, loss of product protection, or increased packaging carbon footprint.
I’ve outlined three more myths in this infographic.
Collaboration among the whole supply chain
Focusing on the theme of the discussion, “Can packaging and the circular economy ever co-exist?” I believe the answer is: absolutely. But collaboration is critical if we are to develop advanced packaging that is as resource-efficient as possible, that protects products, and keeps perishable goods safe and fresh, while minimizing food waste.
We also need systemic change to establish a circular economy model and design waste out, including new strategies to enhance the collection and recycling of plastic packaging.
Achieving such far-reaching change requires the participation of everyone in the value chain: raw material producers, packaging manufacturers like Amcor, industry bodies such as The Consumer Goods Forum, retailers, brands, food and beverage producers, NGOs, government, collection and recycling organizations, and consumers.
Further perspective and how brands can make a difference
I’ve explored the topic of packaging and the circular economy in my blog for the Consumer Goods Forum; and included packaging advice for retailers and brand owners to consider when they are developing their packaging strategies.
To continue the conversation with me, you can message me here on LinkedIn.
I am the Director of Sustainability for Amcor Flexibles, based in Zurich, Switzerland. I am committed to driving positive change in business through sustainability, focusing mainly on climate change and circular economy.
Director - Owner en MEPA Plastic
4yLove this! I just emailed you to see if we could repost it to our industry website blog site. www.mepaplastic.com
You are right Gerard in all aspects but your biggest task to make a circular economy work is to give a solution to your recycling system. Currently you (Amcor) have a huge responsibility in Amcor as you are producing plastic but have no responsibility of what happens once it leaves your production lines and shipped to your clients. In India and around Africa I see your packaging in the streets in the sea and that’s the problem. You can R&D as much as you like to reduce the amount of plastic used but if it ends up in the ocean whose responsibility is that? Your clients, Amcor, the city municipality, the individual? It’s a question all industries have to get a grip on if you want to make a true circular economy. Gerard I am available for coffee in a ceramic cup if you want to discuss more. I have been working on the circular economy before it became popular.
Chemical Recycling | Circular Bioeconomy | Sustainability Transition
5yCollection and recycling infrastructure includes new technologies for recycling, I assume? Mechanical recycling will not be enough in the future, we'll need chemical and thermochemical methods as well.
Bringing balance to the fork through a donut economics approach to food systems and reusable packaging.
5yYes. It's single-use packaging, regardless of its material (but especially plastic, both petroleum and bioplastics) that are causing the problems. Plastic is meant to last, so it makes no sense to use it once. Ozarka NL is already implementing a circular approach here.
CEO & Founder | Ocean Ambassador | Business Innovator | Circular Plastic Use | UN Advisor on Global Plastics Treaty
5yDon't forget to add gamechangers and accelerators like Searious Business - to make the change happen ;-)