RETAL: Give up wasting plastic for Lent

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?

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.

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.

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.

RETAL's Sustainability Director Emmanuel Duffaut said: “From 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.”

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.

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