The use of plastic is prevalent throughout the world and, for its multiple uses and functionalities, has become an issue that is present both on a global level as on our daily routines. Due to its environmental impact and the way the modern world needs this particular material, the European Commission has issued a European Directive to tackle the problem and try to generate a new way for plastics use. Our current article regards the backdrop where that Directive will act, and if you work in an industry that uses plastics, you should not go without reading it.
The truth is that, even with all the negative aspects of its use, plastic is ubiquitous and a central part of our economy and daily lives. It is used abundantly but some of its most critical applications are very difficult to be replaced. For example, on light and innovative materials, in cars and planes, that save fuel and cut CO2 emissions. On high performance insulation materials as well, materials that reduce energy consumption and spending or in packaging, where plastics allow for high protection of sensitive contents, help ensure food safety and reduce food waste and, in medicine, where bio-compatible materials save human lives by enabling medical innovation.
There are ten plastic item types that cause over 70% of all maritime plastic litter: cigarette filters; drinks bottles, caps and lids; cotton bud sticks; crisps packets and sweet wrappers; sanitary towels and tampons; cutlery; food containers including fast food; and cups and cup lids. One of the areas the European Commission is focusing, when addressing these products, is on increasing the prevalence of Multiple Use plastic products and reducing Single Use plastic products. Here, the preference goes with Multiple Use variants, obviously, which are either designed for multiple use or refill by individuals, or are designed to be used repeatedly after each use, so therefore have to washable and resistant to recurrent utilization.
As stated previously, there is a problem facing the world, regarding the way plastics are produced, used and discarded. The main issue is that this production and use dont always follow a circular approach, and therefore harm the environment. A perfect example of this misuse are the million tons of plastic litter that end up on the oceans every year, one that has caused growing public concern.
Even so, the general consensus is that the use of plastics is a complex value chain. Rethinking and improving it will require great cooperation between its players. Companies and people from plastic producers, recyclers, retailers and consumer areas will have to pursue innovation and a shared view to drive investment in the right direction. Changes to our patterns of consuming plastic will have to change, so increasing the plastics sustainability can bring new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness and job creation in a very important industry to the European economy.
Link: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/plastic_waste.htm