Plastic packaging remains an important issue in corporate social responsibility campaigns. However, some companies are moving to plastic.
Businesses are learning that plastic can often be the most sustainable option.
For years, glass, aluminum, cardboard and biodegradable packaging materials have been advocated in a simplistic way against the use of plastic.
Glass, although recyclable, requires more energy to produce. A UK study puts glass in the tail when comparing the environmental impact of commonly used materials.
Aluminum, also considered an ecological alternative, requires a mining process that has long-term negative effects on local communities and the environment, long after mining has stopped. Aluminum production releases twice as much carbon into the atmosphere compared to plastic.
The cartons (think: wine in a box). Although lighter than glass, the glued combination of plastic, aluminum and cardboard to create the packaging and coating makes these products more difficult to recycle than other materials.
Meanwhile, biodegradable packaging is growing in prominence. At first glance they seem ideal. It maintains some of the same benefits as plastic (light and flexible), while supposedly eliminating a disadvantage (lack of biodegradability).
But reality does not live up to its promise. They can be biodegraded under controlled conditions, but in nature and marine environments, biodegradable materials can take years to decompose.
Some food service companies use corn-based plastics (polylactic acid). When placed in landfills without oxygen, degrading bioplastic materials release methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more worrisome than carbon dioxide.
In order for corn-based plastic to live up to its "biodegradable" nickname, the composting process requires controlled extreme heat and humidity levels, which are not found in a landfill or in the ocean.
Another practical issue is that many consumers will throw this plastic in the recycling bin. Plant material should be handled separately. Its mixture with conventional plastic will actually contaminate the recycling process, creating more waste by sending other perfectly recyclable items to landfills.
And not all conventional plastics are the same...
There is no single approach for all packaging. Companies should aim to increase the recyclability of their products. Factors must be taken into account, including greenhouse gas emissions in production and transport.
In short, a pragmatic, non-dogmatic approach is the best way to support sustainability.
Will Coggin - CEO of the Essential Plastics Coalition