In 2020, the UK placed 4.9 million metric tonnes of plastic on the market. Out of this, 3.7 million metric tonnes became waste. In order to reduce plastic pollution, companies across the nation are now working to incorporate circular economy solutions into their business plans.
The circular economy is a sustainable model of reusing, repairing, and recycling materials as many times as possible. In comparison to a linear system, circularity allows wasted materials to have a new life or to be recycled back into new products. As a result, waste is captured and the need for raw materials is alleviated.
Here, we will explore some of the UK companies leading the way with sustainable packaging solutions. Using these examples, how can your business respond to the fight against single use plastics and align with consumer trends?
L’Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Group is leading the way for sustainable packaging within the cosmetics industry. In collaboration with Paboco, the company has created a paper bottle using sustainably sourced paper. If used en masse, this has the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste.
In addition to this, the environmental profile of 96% of all new products launched by the company has improved in 2020. L’Oreal has also committed to using 100% reusable, recyclable, and compostable plastic packaging by 2025.
As part of the L’Oréal for the Future campaign, the company has pledged to become sustainable by 2030. This includes the preservation of natural resources, management of water sustainability, fighting climate change, respecting biodiversity, and banning testing on animals.
Tesco
Tesco, one of the leading supermarket brands across the nation, is also making significant contributions towards sustainability. As well as ditching single-use plastic bags, the supermarket is promoting a circular economy within its Own Brand products, such as bin bags.
This has reduced plastic sold throughout the company. In fact, over 1 billion pieces of plastic have been saved since this sustainability campaign began. Also, since 2018, Tesco has removed 11,400 tonnes of hard-to-recycle materials from its Own Brand packaging.
The future looks bright for this company. It is committed to making 100% of the paper and board used in its packaging sustainable by 2025. In 2021, it also pledged to remove an extra 500 million pieces of plastic from its supermarkets throughout 2022. Do you think Tesco will achieve this goal?
Waddington Europe
Waddington Europe, a leading producer of rigid plastic packaging, is committed to sustainable packaging innovation. Its Eco Blend and Eco Blend Pura ranges, as well as being fully recyclable, are made with 100% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled content.
In recent months, the company has also designed an innovative strawberry punnet. This product uses raised based cushion technology that removes the need for an extra layer of protective bubble wrap and any adhesive. As a result, Waddington’s strawberry punnet requires no glue, and it can be easily recycled straight back into food-grade rPET.