Now more than ever youll have noticed that the pressure is on for businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Traditionally, weve all worked and lived in linear economies where we make, use and then dispose of products. But this isnt working any more.
You might have heard the term circular economy banded around recently essentially the idea is that we keep using a resource as long as possible. Extracting the maximum value from goods whilst in use and then recovering and re-purposing materials at the end of each cycle.
Why is a circular economy important?
Circular economies create opportunity for growth as industries will need to change and be disrupted to shift from the linear. Plus, developing a circular economy will allow us to:
- Reduce waste
- Drive greater resource productivity
- Create a more competitive UK economy
- Future-proof against resource scarcity
- Minimise negative environmental impact
What role does packaging play in the circular economy?
Packaging plays a crucial role in creating circular economy and keeping our products fresh and safe.However, it is environmentally challenging, as raw materials are at a premium and many governments dont have the infrastructure to cope with the recycling requirements to cope with packaging waste.
For example, you cant have missed that plastics and single-use packaging (like coffee cups) has been in the spotlight lately. If you watched the BBCs Blue Planet II, youll have seen how it highlighted the sheer scale of sea pollution. By 2050, its expected that there could be more plastic in the sea than fish, which is frightening.
The good news is that people are paying attention to this and are starting to act. Packaging isnt the enemy by any means we just need to be more innovative and consider how we use packaging now.
Taking steps towards a sustainable supply chain and a circular economy
So, if youre using packaging in your supply chain, you need to start thinking responsibly. We are too
Support with sustainability
If youre looking to make your supply chain more sustainable, we can help. Whatever you're manufacturing our experts can help you analyse your packaging and find ways that help you head towards a circular economy.
To learn more, get in touch today on 01902 496 666, by emailing us or completing our contact form.
Sources
Unilevers Position on Packaging and the Circular Economy
The Guardian More Plastic that Fish in the Sea by 2050