Reducing dependence on single-use plastics is an important element in creating and maintaining a sustainable economy that crucially cuts the levels of plastic in our oceans. So what if we committed to giving up throwing away plastic for Lent and beyond?<\/p>\n
According to a Smithers report, global plastic packaging consumption was projected at 58.6 million tonnes in 2019 and is forecast to grow during 2019-24 at an annual rate of 3.5%, to 69.8 million tonnes.<\/p>\n
The stark truth is that plastic packaging is the lightest, cheapest, most effective, most convenient packaging, for food and beverages especially. Consumers still want convenience.<\/p>\n
The main issue that surrounds the plastic packaging industry is the continued creation and maintenance of a joined-up collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure of used plastic packaging, allowing more recycled PET into the packaging value chain and drastically reducing the industry’s need for virgin material.<\/p>\n
RETAL’s Sustainability Director Emmanuel Duffaut said: \u201cFrom consumers to packaging producers, we all want to reduce our negative impact on the environment, and we all have a sphere of influence from which we can make a difference. By responsibly using plastic and committing to putting it into the correct recycling bin after use, consumers can make a huge difference as it keeps the plastic in the value chain.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giving up wasting and throwing away plastic packaging for Lent means consumers can be part of the circular economy, giving their plastic packaging a valuable second (and third, and fourth, and fifth…) life.<\/p>\n
Read the article on European Plastic Product Manufacturer<\/a><\/p>\n