September 5, 2024
As industries worldwide face the challenges of environmental sustainability and efficient resource management, the push for sustainable plastics in supply chains has never been more important. Shifting to sustainable plastics isn’t just a focus on reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastics; it’s to establish a more resilient and adaptable plastic supply chain in the future.
Plastics are indispensable in modern supply chains, playing a fundamental role in providing the efficient and safe transportation of goods across various industries. Their properties—being lightweight, durable, and easy to mold—make them ideal for packaging and protecting products from damage during transit.
Through cost-effective and reliable packaging solutions, plastics streamline operations, reduce shipping costs, and minimize waste, making them essential for the smooth functioning of the global plastic supply chain.
Plastics are widely used in modern supply chains due to their ability to offer lightweight packaging solutions, withstand wear and tear, and facilitate greater ease of handling. These properties reduce shipping costs and improve handling efficiency, making plastics an ideal choice for packaging. Their durability guarantees that products are well-protected during transit, minimizing damage and losses.
This is demonstrated with plastic packaging that helps reduce transportation costs due to its lightness, and with plastic pallets which are better able to resist damage and contamination more than wood. And, with their ergonomic designs, plastic containers simplify the logistics process.
Industries, including food and drinks, electronics, and healthcare, all heavily depend on plastic packaging.
This widespread reliance highlights the important role plastics play in maintaining the overall efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains.
Transitioning to sustainable plastics in supply chains offers numerous advantages, both environmentally and economically. Sustainable plastics are a family of materials designed to have the lowest possible environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. They’re often made from renewable resources, such as plant-based materials, or are fully recyclable or reusable.
The shift from traditional plastics to sustainable alternatives is more than a trend; it’s a necessity for businesses that are trying to lower their environmental footprint and meet increasing regulatory and consumer demands for sustainability.
Integrating sustainable plastics allows companies to enhance their operational efficiency while contributing to a healthier planet.
Within supply chains, recycling and reusing plastics are important measures for minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials for packaging and incorporating recycled plastic into their products, help reduce the amount of plastic waste.
For example, Mars Wrigley’s has been working to reduce the amount of plastic in their products while producing them with more sustainable alternatives, all while also introducing recycle and reuse initiatives. Alongside this, major clothing companies such as Nike and Adidas have been steadily working to incorporate more recycled plastic into their supply chain rather than relying on virgin plastic.
Promoting a circular economy, where materials are continuously cycled back into the supply chain, can help companies significantly lower their broader environmental impact.
Sustainable plastics are an integral element in lowering carbon emissions, reducing fossil fuel reliance and the environmental impact of traditional plastic production.
Bio-based and biodegradable plastics emit fewer greenhouse gasses during production and degrade more quickly in the environment than conventional plastics. This is because these plastics use plant-bases instead of petroleum for their production. By reducing fossil fuel reliance and adopting eco-friendly alternatives, companies are able to cut their carbon footprint significantly.
This transition helps meet environmental regulations while also improving brand reputation, as consumers increasingly prefer products from environmentally responsible companies. Adopting sustainable plastics is a strategic move that supports long-term sustainability goals and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
The shift towards renewable plastics is driven by the need to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and meet the growing demands for sustainable products from consumers and regulators alike.
Legislation like the EU’s directive on single-use plastics, which bans items such as plastic plates, cutlery, straws, and expanded polystyrene food containers, is a key driver. These regulations aim to prevent plastic pollution and promote a circular economy by mandating measures such as a 77% separate collection target for plastic bottles by 2025 and a requirement for 25% recycled content in new PET bottles by the same year.
Adopting renewable plastics helps companies comply with these regulations while actively enhancing their brand image among environmentally conscious consumers. For example, businesses that switch to biodegradable or fully recyclable materials can appeal to the growing market segment that prioritizes sustainability.
Investing in renewable plastics is essential for achieving long-term sustainability in supply chains, and manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers alike all need to prioritize and invest in renewable plastics to help drive this transformation.
Bio-based plastics offer numerous benefits, making them a core component of sustainable supply chains. These plastics are made from renewable sources that help reduce fossil fuel dependence.
For example, polylactic acid or PLA is derived from fermented plant starch, typically corn, while polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA are produced by bacteria created as a byproduct of fermenting sugars or lipids. Bioethanol, obtained from sources like sugarcane, is used to create bio-polyethylene or bio-PE and bio-polypropylene known as bio-PP, which are chemically identical to their fossil-based counterparts but come from renewable sources.
One of the main advantages of bio-based plastics is their biodegradability, which breaks down easier in the environment. This property helps mitigate the long-term pollution associated with plastic waste.
Producing bio-based plastics generally leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the plastic supply chain.
As a result of diligent and ongoing technological advancements, the future of sustainable plastics is bright. Continuing research is leading to the creation of innovative materials and processes that enhance plastics’ performance and sustainability.
For example, advancements in chemical recycling technologies enable the efficient conversion of plastic waste back into raw materials, promoting a circular economy. New materials such as biodegradable composites and bio-derived polymers are being developed to provide better durability and functionality while maintaining environmental benefits.
These advances have the potential to revolutionize the industry by providing more sustainable options for a wide range of applications. Staying at the forefront of these technological advancements allows companies to adapt to changing market demands and regulatory conditions keeping them competitive and environmentally responsible in their operations.
Integrating sustainable plastics into supply chains is essential to achieving environmental stewardship and greater economic resilience. By investing in renewable and innovative plastic solutions, industries can significantly reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining efficient and effective operations. Stay at the forefront of this rapidly advancing industry to benefit from the resulting new markets being made available.
At the Plastics Industry Association, also known as PLASTICS, we’re dedicated to supporting the entire plastics supply chain and enhancing global competitiveness. We offer extensive resources designed to advance sustainability and keep plastics within the circular economy. Our educational materials, industry reports, and cutting-edge innovations are tailored to help you understand and implement sustainable practices.
Learn more about how PLASTICS can assist your business in making a positive impact. Visit us at the Plastics Industry Association for more information and support in your sustainability efforts. Join us in shaping the future of the plastics industry through technology-driven changes and sustainable growth by becoming a member today.
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
