Reusable Packaging Could Cut Emissions from Plastics by up to 69%, Study Shows
In a groundbreaking study released on Wednesday, nonprofit Ellen MacArthur Foundation revealed that the widespread adoption of returning and reusing plastic packaging could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 69%. The study, which involved over 60 organizations including major consumer goods companies like Nestle, Unilever, and PepsiCo, underscores the dual benefits of such schemes – not only lowering emissions but also driving down costs for certain items.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, known for its advocacy of a circular economy model that promotes reduced production and consumption, partnered with UK-based sustainable business firm Systemiq and environmental consultancy Eunomia to conduct the study. The research comes at a crucial time when the United Nations’ efforts to create a treaty for controlling plastic pollution seem to be making little progress.
The study specifically emphasizes the need for a systemic change to tackle and reverse plastic waste across several sectors, including beverages, personal care, fresh food, and food cupboards. Under the most ambitious scenario outlined in the research, known as System Change, reuse schemes could potentially lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 35% to 69%, water usage from 45% to 70%, and material usage from 45% to 76%.
Deposit schemes were identified as a key element in achieving these ambitious targets, as they incentivize high return rates. For instance, in the System Change scenario, if consumers were offered 20 euro cents (29 Singapore cents) for returning packaging to the seller, the net costs for returnable beverage and personal care bottles would be significantly lower compared to single-use options.
However, the study underscores that reaching high return rates and making reuse schemes competitive requires shared collection infrastructures, standardized packaging, and pooling – the use of shared packaging by multiple players.
The report highlights the importance of policymakers and business leaders in the fast-moving consumer goods sector taking immediate action to change their practices. Now the pressure is on policymakers … and on business leaders in the fast-moving consumer goods sectors to change their practices, stated Mr. Jean-Pierre Schwetizer, the circular economy manager at the European Environmental Bureau, in the study.
The findings of this study shed light on a potential solution to the plastic pollution crisis that is plaguing our planet. By embracing reusable packaging on a large scale, we have a real opportunity to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while also cutting costs and promoting a more sustainable future. With the urgency of the current global environmental challenges, it is imperative that policymakers and businesses take heed of these findings and drive the necessary changes to protect our planet for future generations.
