We need to develop ways to consume less plastic because it pollutes our oceans, landfills, and even our air. The best way to begin is by speaking directly with the source. Plastic garbage management is already being influenced by the manufacturing of goods, particularly in the sector of packaging. We must always do more to prevent waste if we are to reduce the vast amount of plastic trash that currently blights our globe. Following these simple guidelines, the industrial sector might reduce waste from plastic packaging and containers.
What is the significance of this issue? It is critical because this type of plastic debris constitutes a large component of municipal solid waste. The plastic container industry alone created an estimated 14.5 million tons of waste in 2018. The Environmental Protection Agency defines packaging trash as things that are designed to be thrown away immediately after their contents have been used. Soft plastic transport containers, polyethylene terephthalate water bottles, and soft plastic food packaging are the three categories of these products.
According to several assessments, the volume of packing and shipping items used to safeguard the contents of shipments has recently increased rapidly. This could be attributed to the rise of online shopping and increasing food delivery services. According to a 2021 study, Amazon’s production of plastic packaging waste increased by 29{9f22a6c9ed12e16e5983216e35523626546e516042fd2ddc7e378f3fecf7b312} during the COVID-19 epidemic, contrary to 2019 forecasts.
Food distribution waste will continue to rise in relation to the world’s population unless something is done soon. This industry is one of the major users of recyclable soft plastic packaging. These multi-material objects, often known as “film” or “flexible packaging,” are used in approximately 50{9f22a6c9ed12e16e5983216e35523626546e516042fd2ddc7e378f3fecf7b312} of food packaging and 41{9f22a6c9ed12e16e5983216e35523626546e516042fd2ddc7e378f3fecf7b312} of all packaging and are designed to keep bacteria and moisture out.
What packaging changes can be made to reduce waste? First and foremost, businesses must make every effort to better manage their plastic waste. Setting up a stringent program to manage trash through recycling, reuse, and reduction is one option. Another option is to create ecologically friendly items.
Despite being less expensive to produce, recyclable materials such as glass, paper, and cardboard may not be as cost-effective. It is now possible to keep food-safe packaging while producing less trash and energy thanks to technological improvements. Ultrasonic sealing can be used instead of thermal sealing. When paired with paper products, this technology can help firms achieve their sustainability goals by producing more ecologically friendly finished products.
Regrettably, there is no simple solution to the pollution caused by plastic rubbish. We must work together to repair the damage that has already been done. However, by focusing on updating packaging at the point of manufacture and implementing cutting-edge production procedures, a difference can be observed right away.
More tips for reducing waste from plastic packaging can be found in the infographic below.
