Reusable packaging revolution is close

Date:
May 30, 2023
Source:
University of Portsmouth
Summary:
A detailed plan to transform product packaging and significantly
cut plastic production and pollution has been developed by
researchers. The study comes as government representatives meet
in Paris to negotiate a legally binding global plastics treaty
with a mandate to end plastic pollution.


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FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A detailed plan to transform product packaging and significantly cut
plastic production and pollution has been developed by researchers.

The study comes as government representatives meet in Paris to negotiate
a legally binding global plastics treaty with a mandate to end plastic pollution.

The research, published today by the University of Portsmouth's Global
Plastics Policy Centre, commissioned by the Break Free From Plastic
movement, consolidates 320 articles and papers, plus 55 new interviews
with reuse experts from around the world [1], to suggest a universal
definition of reuse systems and, for the first time, assess how all
nations can move away from throw-away packaging.

Packaging is responsible for 40% of all plastic in the EU, and plastic packaging waste is set to grow by 46% by 2030, according to the European Commission. The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on
European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine
litter in the EU, it says. Reuse systems could cut plastic pollution by
30 percent by 2040.

The study found:
* A phased approach is needed to deliver economy-wide change from
single-
use to reusable packaging systems that can significantly
reduce impacts on our climate, environment, biodiversity and
health. Many reuse systems are already developed, proven and
scalable. Fundamental to true reuse systems is packaging on loan
to consumers that is returned multiple times until a sustainability
'breakeven point' is achieved.

* The upcoming global plastic treaty, being developed in Paris
this week,
is seen as a major opportunity for policymakers to support the
upscaling of reuse systems, limit virgin plastic production,
set standards and boost infrastructure. Virgin plastic reduction
targets are 25 years behind carbon emissions targets, the reuse
experts interviewed said.

* Next generation packaging should mostly be standardised,
stackable and
electronically tagged. It must be durable, lightweight, washable and
non- toxic, but no one material is best suited to all situations.

* The path to mass adoption of reuse systems should roll out in four
phases, the authors say, starting with large venues such as sports
arenas and music festivals, which have breakthrough potential to
build public acceptance, a challenge identified by three quarters
(74%) of the reuse experts interviewed.

* Delivery firms will have a major role in the return and reuse
economy,
collecting used packaging while making deliveries.

The study envisages a world where all packaging is chipped or tagged and
can be dropped into smart bins, cleaned and pooled at centralised 'hubs'
before being delivered back to factories and retailers. Reuse systems
will vary by sector, but the researchers think the transition will likely
occur first in cities, where infrastructure is more adaptable. Widespread change will take time, the researchers concede, but closed environments
like schools, hospitals, events and food courts are relatively easy to
shift to zero waste packaging, as is the drinks sector, where some reuse
brands already achieve high return rates.

Harder will be the fast food sector where packaging often ends up
scattered.

'Rentable packaging' could help, where customers order through apps and
are charged a small fee if they do not return the packaging.

Most (82%) experts interviewed worry about higher costs and infrastructure change of reusable packaging, while many are also concerned about
hygiene and loss of brand identity. Reuse supporters interviewed strongly criticise governments for lacking vision and over-investing in recycling
and incineration, which are often barriers to reuse.

Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre at the University of
Portsmouth, Professor Steve Fletcher, said: "This study is a significant evidence based global assessment of how we can swap wasteful single use packaging for reuse systems. It shows that there is no one-size-fits-all packaging material or system for reuse, but we know that it has to fit seamlessly into people's lives and that has huge untapped potential to
end plastic pollution. What we need now is a clear vision for reuse and
the right support to mainstream it." Break Free From Plastic global coordinator Von Hernandez said: "The scourge of single-use packaging
continues to grow at a pace beyond the capacities of existing waste
management systems. Prevention is key; ramping up reuse systems is the
most sensible approach to replacing single use plastics and dramatically
cut plastic production. The plastics treaty discussions this week must
lay the groundwork for this transformation." Tiza Mafira, Executive
Director Gerakan Indonesia Diet Kantong Plastik, said: "It is clear that
reuse is much more than simply packaging, it is a system that needs all
players in a global supply chain to take part. That's why reuse needs
to be right at the heart of the plastic treaty discussions this week,
so that the operational nuts and bolts can be agreed and reuse can thrive
and scale." The European Commission recently announced fresh laws against
the "constantly growing source of waste" from packaging and a "steep
decline" in reuse rates, promising support for reuse systems. Boosting
reuse could create more than 600,000 jobs by 2030, it says. Progress in
Europe could influence the global treaty talks, campaigners say.

This report is available here: https://plasticspolicy.port.ac.uk/research/ making-reuse-reality and https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/reuse
* RELATED_TOPICS
o Earth_&_Climate
# Environmental_Issues # Environmental_Policy #
Recycling_and_Waste # Global_Warming
o Science_&_Society
# Environmental_Policies # Land_Management #
Resource_Shortage # Funding_Policy
* RELATED_TERMS
o United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change o
Pollution o Air_pollution o Energy_development o Water_pollution
o Eutrophication o Biodegradation o Law

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Portsmouth. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


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Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/05/230530125450.htm

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