Packaging Waste

Plastics are a product of human innovation: they are inexpensive, lightweight, durable, resistant to decay and moldable , making them an excellent packaging material. Unfortunately, this innovation comes at a price. Owing to its short lifespan, plastic packaging is one of the greatest contributors to plastic pollution.

Every piece of plastic ever made is still on this planet. Due to poor product design and lack of political infrastructure, the majority of plastic waste that could be recycled ends up in landfills. 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been produced, of which only 9 percent has been recycled properly. It also washes into the oceans, choking our waters and our marine animals. Certain chemical additives that can leach out of plastic waste also perpetuate toxic chemicals in our environment, harming wildlife and humans.

Clearly, plastic packaging is a massive environmental problem. That also means it’s a massive opportunity, particularly for companies that want to hit sustainability goals.