The Alliance to End Plastic Waste says it will spend $1 billion to keep plastic waste out of the environment.
But its members–like ExxonMobil, Shell, Dow–are undermining the commitment by ramping up their own plastic production.
The majority of packaging companies funding the alliance to end plastic waste are some of the worlds biggest plastic packaging manufacturers.
Not only that but they are planning to ramp up production!
There are over 30 companies in the alliance including ExxonMobil, Shell, Dow and many others in the oil and gas sector.
Despite the alliance planning to spend at least $1 billion in order to help the environment and prevent plastic waste many of these companies are some of the world biggest producers. Demand for plastic is only increasing too!
Take Shell for example. They are planning for a future with more electric cars. They think demand for plastics will grow as a result of this. It keeps both fossil fuels relevant in an age of many alternatives while still creating profits in the short term.
They are currently constructing a multi billion dollar refinery to turn petrochemicals into polyethylene, a polymer used to make everything from water bottles to sophisticated packaging for export.
ExxonMobil is joining in too with a new production facility dedicated to the production of, yes you guessed it. Polyethylene.
Indeed plastic production is forecast to increase over 40% globally during the next 10 years. Primarily due to these kind of new projects.
Graham Forbes from Greenpeace says more need to be done to create viable solutions within the recycling infrastructure.
He goes onto to point out that while the committing for collecting plastic waste looks huge at \$1 billion at the same time the same companies are looking to invest over £200 billion ramping up petrochemical output.
The numbers do not lie.
Striking a Balance Between Necessity and Sustainability
In an era where environmental consciousness is on the rise, the use of plastic packaging has become a subject of controversy. However, it's essential to understand the facts and explore the potential for responsible use. Data from wrap.org.uk sheds light on the current state of plastic packaging and the need for action:
The Global Plastic Deluge.
- The world churns out a staggering 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging annually.
- Shockingly, around one-third of global plastic packaging escapes collection systems, wreaking havoc on the environment.
- The production, usage, and disposal of plastic contribute approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
- Alarmingly, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, according to the Royal Statistical Society of Great Britain.
The UK's Plastic Predicament
- The UK consumes 5 million tonnes of plastic annually, with almost 2.25 million tonnes used for packaging.
- Packaging accounts for nearly 70% of plastic waste in the UK, making it a primary concern.
- In 2019, a substantial 2,472,000 tonnes of plastic packaging were discarded in the UK, with only 46.2% being recycled.
Impact of the Carrier Bag Charge
- The introduction of a 5p charge for single-use plastic bags in supermarkets in 2015 led to an astounding 97% reduction in usage.
- The number of single-use plastic bags sold by main retailers plummeted from 1.33 billion (2016-2017) to 295 million (2020-2021).
- Per-person usage also dropped significantly, from 38 bags (2016-2017) to just 9 bags (2020-2021).
- Nearly 5,000 stores across the UK now offer plastic bag recycling collection points.
The Benefits of Plastic Packaging
- Lightweight plastic packaging offers energy savings during transportation, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while cutting costs for distributors, retailers, and consumers.
- The sealability and durability of plastic packaging can extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing food loss.
- Plastic packaging accounts for only 1.5% of oil and gas use.
- It can be recycled multiple times before losing its properties and holds a high caloric value, potentially surpassing coal.
Recycling Domestic Plastic Packaging
- The UK generates around 15 million tonnes of plastic yearly, including 15 million single-use plastic bottles. Plastic bottle recycling has grown by over 2,000% since 2001.
- Recycled plastic can be used to create clothing, with a single t-shirt made from five plastic bottles and an adult fleece from 25 bottles.
- In 2020, 51% of plastic packaging was recycled, a significant improvement according to the British Plastics Federation.
- Domestic recycling collections for plastic tubs, pots, and trays increased from 30% to 75% between 2010 and 2015.
While it's crucial to acknowledge that many types of plastic packaging, such as polyethylene, are recyclable, companies are increasingly exploring greener alternatives for packaging. Sustainable development and the reduction of plastic waste remain paramount.
In conclusion, the data highlights the magnitude of the plastic packaging challenge and the importance of sustainable practices. It underscores the need for responsible usage, recycling efforts, and the adoption of alternative materials. Striking a balance between the benefits of plastic packaging and the imperative to protect our environment is the key to a more sustainable future.
