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In the face of growing concerns surrounding climate change and resource scarcity, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions is at an all-time high. Sustainability can be defined as responsible use of resources today to preserve them for future generations, it is a complex challenge that requires balancing human needs and ecosystem preservation. Within the packaging industry, sustainable practices have gained traction in recent years, as material selection, carbon reduction, and circular economy policies take centre stage. Through effective collaboration between industries and well-designed legislation that drives desired behaviours, we can promote sustainable packaging and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In the context of packaging, environmental sustainability consists of three main pillars: Resource Planning, Carbon Reduction, and Waste Reduction. Resource planning strives to minimise waste by promoting a necessity mindset and conscientious material choices that facilitate reuse and efficient recycling. Carbon reduction initiatives are aimed at mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions by addressing the entire carbon lifecycle of the packaging. This involves implementing measures such as enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources during the manufacturing process, as well as promoting changes in consumer behaviour. Waste reduction seeks to decrease waste volume by implementing strategies like waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting. To achieve this, material minimisation, easily recyclable or compostable designs and reusable packaging systems, can be employed. Alternative packaging materials, such as recycled paper, biodegradable polymers, and plant-based alternatives, can also help reduce the carbon footprint of packaging.
One approach to promote sustainable packaging solutions is to implement regulations and policies that promote informed decision-making among businesses. Providing transparent information on the environmental impact of different materials and products can encourage manufacturers to opt for more sustainable alternatives. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), for example, can offer valuable data for comparative purposes. However, the current system is characterised by complex technical documentation that is laborious to assess, and there is a scarcity of available EPDs. To address this issue, it is essential to make these evaluations accessible at a general level. In addition to transparency, incentives and regulatory actions play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. The UK, for instance, has been a pioneer in implementing environmental policies, such as the ban on plastic microbeads and restrictions on single-use plastic items. These policies aim to reduce environmental impact and encourage consumers and businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives.
However, there is still a gap in addressing plastic waste recycling. In the UK, the recycling rate for paper and cardboard packaging is significantly greater than that of plastic packaging. To tackle this issue, in 2022, the UK government introduced a tax on plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic content. The tax aims to offer an economic incentive for businesses to incorporate recycled plastic materials in their packaging, promoting higher levels of waste plastic recycling and collection, and ultimately diverting waste from landfill or incineration. The government predicts that the introduction of this tax will result in a 40% rise in the utilisation of recycled plastic for packaging purposes and carbon savings of nearly 200,000 tonnes for the 2022-2023 period.
In response to the broader need for enhancing the recyclability of packaging materials, the UK government also introduced the concept of 'extended producer responsibility' (EPR). Since January 2023, organisations have been required to collect data on their packaging to comply with EPR and register by 2024 when fees will become payable to the environmental regulator. By making packaging producers accountable for non-recyclable materials, EPR is expected to drive a shift towards the use of reusable or recyclable materials and promote a circular economy.
Despite these efforts, there is a need for refined guidance when assessing the emissions associated with different disposal methods. The current emission factors published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy unintentionally incentivise organisations to favour landfill disposal of plastic over recycling or combustion. To address this issue, an effective strategy should focus on pinpointing opportunities to decrease carbon emissions specifically from recycling processes themselves. This can include investing in advanced recycling technologies, optimising sorting and separation processes, and exploring innovative recycling methods for various materials.
There are potential pitfalls to avoid when implementing policies and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability goals. Certain measures may inadvertently encourage perverse behaviours, such as an increase in landfill disposal to reduce the measured carbon footprint. Policymakers must carefully evaluate the potential consequences of their actions to ensure that they do not result in counterproductive outcomes. Another challenge is the potential for 'greenwashing' or the practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service. Policymakers and industries must remain vigilant against greenwashing and promote transparency.