How can UK businesses help to reduce plastic waste?
WEDNESDAY 20th MARCH 2024
Plastic poses a huge threat to the planet, but UK businesses can play a part in fighting its negative impact
In the UK, we’re heavily reliant on plastic. That’s despite many campaigns pushing for less plastic use in recent years. According to the government, five million tonnes of plastic is used every year, and we throw away around a hundred billion pieces of plastic every 12 months. Much of this ends up on landfill sites, contributing to the climate crisis.
Thankfully, there are steps that can be taken to diminish the amount of plastic sent to landfills in the UK, and businesses have a significant role to play. Let’s take a closer look at the plastic pollution issue, and what UK businesses can do to help.
How can UK businesses help to reduce plastic waste?
Audit and minimise single-use plastics
The first step for businesses is to conduct an audit of their plastic use, identifying areas where single-use plastics can be minimised or even eliminated. This includes packaging, utensils, straws and containers. By understanding their plastic footprint, businesses can set realistic goals for plastic reduction.
Adopt sustainable packaging solutions
Businesses can switch to sustainable packaging options, such as biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials. For example, companies like Loop are pioneering reusable packaging systems for a wide range of products, from groceries to personal care items.
Enhance recycling efforts
Ensuring that plastic waste is properly recycled is crucial. Businesses can improve their recycling processes by providing clear instructions and facilities for customers and staff, and by working with waste management services that prioritise recycling.
Support plastic alternatives research
Investing in research and development for plastic alternatives can pave the way for innovative solutions. Materials such as plant-based plastics and edible packaging offer promising alternatives to conventional plastics.
Encourage a circular economy
Adopting a circular economy model, where resources are reused and recycled for as long as possible, can significantly reduce plastic waste. This involves designing products for longevity, promoting repair and reuse, and recycling materials at the end of their life cycle.
Educate and engage stakeholders
Businesses can play a key role in raising awareness about the plastic waste issue among employees, customers, and the wider community. Educational initiatives and campaigns can encourage more sustainable consumption patterns and waste management practices.
Collaborating for change
Reducing plastic waste requires concerted efforts across the board. Businesses can collaborate with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and waste, such as plastic taxes or bans on single-use plastics.
The UK Plastic Pact, a collaborative initiative led by WRAP, is an example of how businesses, government entities, and NGOs can work together towards a common goal of reducing plastic waste.
Key takeaways
There’s no doubt that the plastic waste crisis presents us all with a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for UK businesses to lead the way in sustainable practices. Making a contribution to reducing plastic waste can not only benefit the environment but can also enhance a brand’s reputation, meet consumer demand for sustainability, and generally contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
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