Sustainable Packaging - Q3 2021

Q3 2021 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

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Sustainable Packaging

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“A global treaty on plastic pollution would complement and enhance existing voluntary action.” ~Sander Defruyt, Lead, New Plastics Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

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“Globally, solving the plastic pollution issue will require systemic change.” ~Taylor Clayton, Program and Governance Specialist, Global Plastic Action Partnership, World Economic Forum

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IN THIS ISSUE

“Compostables are excellent if the used packaging is collected and goes to commercial composting facilities.” ~Martin Kersh Executive Director, FPA

Plastic pollution clean ups won’t be enough – global treaty needed to stop waste at source

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“Around half the UK’s plastic packaging is already collected for recycling and exports of plastic waste have been declining for a decade.” ~Jane Bevis Executive Chair, OPRL Ltd

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“Compostables are not designed as an answer to littering.” ~David Newman Managing Director, BBIA

Online

@BusinessandindustryUK

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Plastic pollution is rapidly outpacing our efforts to stop it, we need to urgently change the way we make and use plastic globally to be able to solve this crisis.

t is obvious now that we are not going to recycle our way out of this problem and we cannot pull plastic out of the ocean at the rate we are putting it in. Instead of trying to work out how to deal with a pile of waste, we need to stop that waste being created in the first place.

A circular economy for plastics To solve plastic pollution, in a way that also helps us address the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, we need a circular economy. For plastics, this means eliminating all the plastic items we don’t need, innovating to ensure the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable or compostable and circulating all the plastic we use to keep it in the economy and out of the environment.

To achieve this, we need to rethink the way we make and use plastic. This means channelling our innovation efforts upstream, to the design stage. This requires moving beyond incremental tweaks to single-use packaging and being prepared to rethink every part of the plastics system.

When it comes to circulating plastic at the end of its use, we need to make sure the infrastructure and funding is in place – this will require fair industry contributions in the form of extended producer responsibility.

There is growing momentum behind voluntary initiatives, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment and Plastics Pact network, through which more than 1,000 organisations have united behind a common vision and targets for a circular economy for plastic.

and binding targets, together with action plans and consistent measurement, it would provide the framework needed to urgently solve this crisis. A global treaty would harmonise policy efforts; enhance investment planning; stimulate innovation; and coordinate infrastructure development.

By setting out global goals and binding targets, together with action plans and consistent measurement, it would provide the framework needed to urgently solve this crisis.

A new treaty to address plastic pollution Many leading businesses and 79 national governments have called for a UN treaty to tackle plastic pollution and more than 2 million people have signed a public petition. They are urging the member states of the United Nations to agree to start negotiations towards a global treaty at UNEA 5.2 in February 2022. There is no time to waste.

For more information, please visit ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

Going beyond voluntary commitments While voluntary initiatives have begun to deliver change among market leaders, we need an international binding approach to amplify current efforts and deliver the changes needed to end plastic pollution.

A global treaty on plastic pollution would complement and enhance existing voluntary action. By setting out global goals

@MediaplanetUK

WRITTEN BY

Sander Defruyt Lead, New Plastics Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Contact information: uk.info@mediaplanet.com or +44 (0) 203 642 0737

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Ending plastic waste:

increasing plastic reuse and stopping ocean plastic pollution Experts estimate that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. It’s imperative that businesses, government, NGOs and individuals work together to tackle this problem before it’s too late.

O WRITTEN BY Alan VanderMolen Chief Communications Officer, SC Johnson

ver the past few years, society and industry at large have grappled with a paradox on plastic.

Since the advent of the modern form of plastic in the 20th century, the world has witnessed a boom of societal advancements in areas ranging from food storage to medical devices.

Yet, plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive issues facing our ocean ecosystems and planet as more than 8 million tonnes of plastic are estimated to pollute our oceans every year. This plastic breaks down into tiny particles, known as microplastics, that can harm sea life, enter our food chain and even the air we breathe. At SC Johnson, we’re not OK with that.

Creating a more sustainable world So, how do we balance the many uses and benefits of plastic while reducing our reliance on virgin plastic? As one of the many companies that packages its products in plastic, we have a responsibility to take action to address this question and help create a more sustainable world.

That’s why we’ve introduced solutions like concentrate refills, which use 80% less plastic compared to a typical trigger bottle. We are innovating to create closed-loop recycling models and use more post-consumer recycled

plastic in our packaging, like our Mr Muscle® glass cleaner bottles in the UK that are made from 100% ocean-bound recycled plastic.

To tackle this global issue we need businesses, government, NGOs and individuals to work together.

We have partnered with Conservation International to shed light on this issue. Through our latest project, The Blue Paradox, we brought together business leaders, government representatives and sustainability experts for a live broadcast discussion to address the growing issue of ocean plastic pollution and what actions must be taken to protect these vulnerable ecosystems.

How individuals can make a difference Taking place just two months before COP26, The Blue Paradox is a two-week immersive exhibition in London that invites the public to better understand the ocean plastic crisis.

We want to bring people together to explore the role plastic plays in society, alternative sustainable options to eliminate unnecessary plastic waste and the small changes all of us can make to help protect the largest ecosystem on our planet.

No one individual or organisation can solve this problem alone, but now is the time to act, together.

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Instead of trying to work out how to deal with a pile of waste, we need to stop that waste being created in the first place. ~Sander Defruyt, Lead, New Plastics Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

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Does switching the type of packaging solve the issue?

WRITTEN BY Martin Kersh Executive Director, FPA

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in a required timescale and the conditions for it to do so. The name implies the items can be discarded and, because they are thought to breakdown in the environment, can encourage litter.

The FPA calls for the word biodegradable to be banned from use on packaging and urges operators not to be tempted to use the word biodegradable – it simply doesn’t exist without being part of anther process such as industrial composting.

Compostables work best in closed loop environments Be wary of plastic Compostables are free claims excellent if the Some packaging is used packaging is described as ‘plastic Composting of packaging collected and goes free’ and again to commercial we advise caution only takes place in industrial composting facilities. composting facilities with as frequently the Venues such as claim is made for the right temperature and sports stadia, leisure the materials rather moisture levels. parks and university than the finished campuses are the packaging, which types of location that are ideal for undergoes further processing. Many compostables. so-called water-based coatings still use However, if customers are walking plastic such as acrylic, as without it the out of the premises and putting the coating would fail to adhere. item in the bin/recycling bin or even littering them, composting doesn’t New greenwash guidelines happen. Composting of packaging only The Competitions and Markets takes place in industrial composting Authority (CMA) is introducing new facilities with the right temperature guidelines covering all environmental and moisture levels. Most local claims including packaging. Businesses authorities do not want compostable should be alert to the risks of huge packaging as part of their kerbside fines and the increased scrutiny such recycling collection schemes and do practices are likely to receive from not welcome them in food waste but regulators and consumers. should do.

We believe those who exploit their customers’ desire to be seen to be Does biodegradable packaging even exist? doing the right thing with packaging, Packaging should not be described which in reality will make no as biodegradable as, unlike for difference but cost more, should be compostables, there is no certification held to account. to prove biodegradability takes place

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Investment in infrastructure for plastic re-use, collection and recycling offers promising returns and a viable path to end plastic pollution.

Companies are keen to use more sustainable solutions for packaging, but it is essential they do the right thing by their customers and the environment by finding the right solution.

t’s understandable that operators want to ‘do the right thing’ when it comes to packaging and their customers are eager to purchase products in packaging that they think are better for the environment. But options claiming to be plastic-free or biodegradable can be misleading and compostable packaging only works if the necessary end-of-life options are followed through.

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Investing in plastic waste can reap rich rewards

WRITTEN BY Taylor Clayton Program and Governance Specialist, Global Plastic Action Partnership, World Economic Forum

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rom the Mariana Trench to the summit of Mount Everest, plastic waste has become ubiquitous.

Identifying a stretch of the planet that has not been impacted by the plastic pollution crisis is difficult, yet even more challenging to conceptualise is the magnitude of financing needed to solve the problem.

Globally, solving the plastic pollution issue will require systemic change. This includes a shift of funds from the production and consumption of virgin plastic toward new models for reuse, substitution and collection – which is estimated to cost US$1.2 trillion over the next two decades.

Financing at this scale cannot be put forward by a single government or an individual bank. It requires a collective, public-private approach to mobilise capital and close the financing gap.

Public-private solutions To date, infrastructure for plastic collection and recycling has not been a top investment priority for governments faced with a multitude of competing choices on how to spend taxpayer money.

Despite limited financial resources, governments have a critical role to play in creating a market for investment by private actors, who can close the financing gap. A myriad of options exist for the public sector to attract investment and support governments’ infrastructure needs. Targeted tax policies and incentives are a few of many possibilities.

Investors, for their part, can begin by pursuing investment opportunities through vehicles that combine philanthropic or development funds to offset risk – while generating financial returns alongside environmental benefits.

Investing for profit and planet The market is ripe for investment to end plastic pollution.

Over the last two years, financial institutions’ engagement in the circular economy – a system that decouples resource consumption from value creation and redefines how goods are made and used – has risen. Across numerous sectors, including plastics, circularity is driving higher risk-adjusted stock performance for European listed companies. Attractive investments in emerging markets also exist, but to date remain largely untapped.

From material and business model innovation to waste collection and recycling infrastructure, profitable investment opportunities are present across the plastics value chain.

Financial institutions must realise this unique prospect to generate returns while eliminating plastic waste and governments must act to attract such investments through enabling policies. Doing so will not only create a business opportunity, but it will also deliver a critical investment in the health and future of the planet.

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We need to get the balance right between retaining the value that plastic packaging can have with eliminating the harm it causes. ~Helen Bird, Strategic Technical Manager – Plastics, WRAP

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We must seize this opportunity to build a thriving UK plastics economy As we strive to create a more circular economy, we need to rethink the way we tackle plastic pollution.

Sustainability problems need green solutions Short term pain for long term gain? The Plastics Tax can’t deliver sustainable outcomes on its own. We need more investment in infrastructure and recycling.

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ith 8 million tonnes PET trays and PE ‘soft plastics’ (wraps of plastics entering and bags) lag way behind. PVC is oceans each year it’s hardly recycled at the moment. not surprising the Government has seen a plastics tax Introduction of a new plastic tax as a popular way to replace dwindling The £200/t Plastics Tax comes into landfill tax revenues. But will it lead effect on 1 April 2022, well ahead of to more sustainable behaviours? wider packaging reforms in the muchThe Ellen MacArthur Foundation delayed Environment Bill. It could estimates a truly circular plastics incentivise the use of at least 30% economy, reducing and effectively post-consumer recycled content in recycling plastics, packaging but only could radically if the recyclate costs reduce ocean less than the tax. leakage, halve virgin That may not be true plastic usage, reduce Around half the UK’s plastic in the short term, GHG emissions by a packaging is already collected despite escalating quarter and generate imports. for recycling and exports up to 700,000 jobs More needs to be of plastic waste have been globally. The UK done, but it will only could benefit from get done if we invest declining for a decade. all of these if we put in UK reprocessing the infrastructure so plastics stay here in place. and engage citizens effectively to recycle more. Tax breaks might help Improving ‘soft plastic’ recycling rates both while growing green jobs.

Around half the UK’s plastic packaging is already collected for recycling and exports of plastic waste WRITTEN BY have been declining for a decade.

Jane Bevis Polymers and applications vary Executive Chair, greatly - bottles made of PET, HDPE OPRL Ltd and PP are highly recyclable and often contain high proportions of recyclate.

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WRITTEN BY Helen Bird Strategic Technical Manager – Plastics, WRAP

Action on plastic pollution An impatient public still want to see action on the totemic environmental problem of plastic pollution, despite the understandable diversion of COVID-19. We know it is still in the in-tray of politicians and CEOs alike, we have been impressed by the ongoing commitment of our business and government partners to The UK Plastics Pact, which WRAP manages.

The Pact brings the levers of government policy, business action and citizen change to work harmoniously. Only by these working together will we recalibrate the make-usedispose culture, which has been the driver of plastic pollution and create a circular economy for plastics in which it never becomes waste.

The balance of plastic use There’s no doubt that this is challenging and complex, we need to get the balance right between retaining the value that plastic packaging can have with eliminating the harm it causes. But the Pact is making progress. We have reported a significant reduction in the amount of unnecessary and problematic single-use plastic packaging used. We’re seeing more people recycle than ever before and some businesses are building solid foundations for developing refill and reuse alternatives for customers.

A circular economy of plastics So, what is our wish list to make the plastics economy truly circular? Game changing policies are in the pipeline to ensure everyone can recycle all types of plastic packaging at home and at work; deposit return schemes will increase recycling of drinks bottles and reduce litter; and businesses that place non-recyclable packaging on the market will be left with a heavy penalty. But the rollout is a way off and the issue is urgent. We can’t and should not wait to act. We need to go further to remove unnecessary packaging and foster innovation to make reuse and refill mainstream. More retailers need to put into place front of store collection points for all types of plastic bags and wrapping; and businesses beyond food, such as the agriculture, construction and automotive industries, need to fully embrace the potential of using recycled plastic in their products.

We’re seeing more of these industries showing interest in The UK Plastics Pact. Bringing stability to the market for recycled plastic, coupled with the consistent input of material will result in critical investment in infrastructure.

And importantly we need to support the public to recycle even more. Everyone has a part to play.

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The reasons why glass is the sustainable packaging option Glass is an easily and endlessly recyclable material that has been used in packaging for thousands of years. Now the glass industry wants to move towards a carbon neutral production process.

T INTERVIEW WITH Dr Nick Kirk Technical Director, British Glass WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway

here’s a reason that glass has been around for thousands of years. It’s easy to make, requiring just three components (sand, limestone and soda ash, in the case of modern glass) and it’s versatile too. Because it’s virtually inert and doesn’t react with its contents or surroundings, it’s nontoxic, making it safe to be in contact with food and drink. For the same reason, it’s used widely in scientific, medical and pharmaceutical settings.

Crucially, it’s also easy to recycle and has one of the highest recycling rates of all packaging materials in the UK at 75.8% (DEFRA 2021). That’s why Dr Nick Kirk, Technical Director of British Glass, the representative body for the UK glass industry, believes it’s

the most sustainable option for the packaging industry.

“Take an ordinary wine bottle,” he says. ““It doesn’t matter where it comes from, it’s composition will be the same — it’s 100%, endlessly recyclable. While other packaging materials tend to deteriorate over time, glass can be recycled back into new packaging over and over again.”

Working towards carbon neutral glass production Glass never really fell out of favour with the packaging industry; but its usage certainly plateaued when other materials appeared on the market.

Yet there are signs that things may be changing. During the pandemic, for example, more consumers have been

ordering doorstep pints of milk in returnable glass bottles.

This bodes well for our sustainable future, says Kirk. “At one time, retailers would decide what packaging material they would choose for their products,” he notes. “But consumers are more aware of the sustainability issues of packaging, and they are choosing glass because of this.”

Nevertheless, there’s no denying that glass production is a high temperature process that emits high levels of CO2. Yet Kirk stresses that the glass sector is working towards production decarbonisation to meet the UK’s goal of becoming net zero by 2050.

“The industry is exploring and already trialling glass production using carbon neutral fuels such as renewable electricity, hydrogen and biofuels to reduce energy and emissions,” he says.

“Carbon neutral glass production will happen because, like all manufacturing sectors, the glass industry knows that it’s not possible to continue to use fossil fuels as a main source of energy. So, going forward, glass is committed to becoming carbon neutral and is the packaging material to choose from an environmental and sustainable perspective.”

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We’re seeing more people recycle than ever before and some businesses are building solid foundations for developing refill and reuse alternatives for customers. ~Helen Bird, Strategic Technical Manager – Plastics, WRAP

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Understanding the environmental outcomes of packaging is critical Instinctively, reusing tableware would seem better for the environment, in particular helping to reduce our use of carbon.

However, this is often not the case as new scientific data has revealed.

F WRITTEN BY Eric Le Lay President, EPPA

ood packaging is essential to modern food systems.

It was confirmed by the response of governments and by the European Environment Agency which recently highlighted how disposable packaging has “played an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”

But in recent years questions have rightly been asked about which types of packaging are the most sustainable in different scenarios.

Impact of tableware In response, the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) commissioned Ramboll, a leading Danish environmental consultancy, to conduct a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) assessing the use of different types of tableware within quick service restaurants (QSRs).

The results were astonishing from a climate and water use perspective. Contrary to commonly held assumptions, replacing single-use with reusable tableware for in-store use in Europe would create pollution equivalent to over a million cars a year and uses freshwater equivalent to a city of over 750,000 people.

Using real-life data, the study looked at the packaging needed by QSRs in the EU and UK to serve their dinein customers over the course of a year. The study then compared a range of recyclable and renewable single use paper-based packaging items with their reusable alternatives – polypropylene and traditional tableware, which are nonrenewable and non-recyclable.

Ramboll was able to use up-to-date data in its assessment, which examined the entire value chain from the production of the packaging through to consumer use, washing and recycling options. The comprehensive nature of the assessment is important as reusable packaging requires industrial washing systems that consume energy, water and detergents - unlike single-use paper-based products.

Misconceptions revealed The LCA, which was conducted to ISO standards and independently certified by TUV Germany, found that in six out of nine categories, including climate change and freshwater usage, single-use paper products performed considerably better than reusable tableware.

The differences for climate change impacts between the paper-based and reusable tableware were significant. The study found that reusable systems generated 2.8 times as many CO2e emissions as the single-use paper-based items used for dine-in meals over the course of a year - harming our goal to achieve net zero. This is because the use phase, driven by washing and drying, accounted for 83% of the total aggregated impact of reusable tableware.

By ensuring we fully understand how and where impacts occur within our food system is the surest way to choosing the safest, most appropriate packaging solutions and achieving the best environmental outcomes in line with both the EU’s and UK’s commitments.

The study’s findings can be accessed on eppa-eu.org

We believe those who exploit their customers’ desire to be seen to be doing the right thing with packaging, which in reality will make no difference but cost more, should be held to account. ~ Martin Kersh, Executive Director, FPA

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