Imagine this: we all carve for clean, refreshing water. However, have you ever stopped to consider the enormous amount of single-use plastic bottles that are used and thrown away every day? Single-use plastic garbage is drowning our planet with waste as we strive for hydration. According to a 2023 report by the World Wildlife Fund, approximately 11 million metric tons of single-use plastic find their way into the world’s oceans annually [1]. But what if there are better ways to limit this issue?
Even though beverage companies are trying to use recycled bottles, only a small percentage are actually recycled. Most of them are discarded, ending up in landfills or damaging the environment. According to the World Economic Forum, only 6-9% of all single-use plastic ever produced has been sent for recycling and only 2% of single-use plastic waste is recycled [2]. It’s obvious that we need a realistic solution.
Coca-Cola’s Sustainable Packaging Journey: Advancing Towards 100% Plant-Based Materials
For more than a decade Coca-Cola was committed to creating eco-friendly packaging, so they introduced the PlantBottle™ as the world’s first recyclable PET single-use plastic bottle made with up to 30% plant-based material. However, for continuous improvements, the company collaborated with technology partners for years aiming to create a bottle with 100% plant-based materials, said the Chief Technical and Innovation Officer of the CocaCola Company [3].
Here we have to question ourselves, can beverage companies have the same commitment to innovation in sustainable packaging solutions?
Is the Beverage Industry ready for the Shift to Paper Packaging? What are the challenges and considerations?
While the idea of paper packaging may seem more appealing due to its eco-friendly nature, it comes with its own set of challenges that beverage companies must carefully navigate.
One of the challenges of using paper packaging for beverages is the product weight itself, especially for water. Unlike lightweight single-use plastic bottles, paper packaging may not offer the same structural integrity to support the weight of liquids. Additionally, while single-use plastic is inherently moisture-resistant, paper packaging may not provide the same level of protection.
For carbonated beverages, maintaining carbonation shelf life is crucial. Paper packaging may present challenges in preserving carbonation levels over time. However, beverage companies can innovate solutions or alternative packaging designs to address these issues. For instance, potential solutions like corrugated cardboard could offer increased structural strength and moisture resistance. Thus, can beverage companies adapt such solutions or alternative packaging designs to address these issues?
Exploring Sustainable Solutions: Biodegradable Alternatives and Innovations in PET Bottle Design
While paper packaging for heavy beverages remains a distant goal, it’s essential to focus on more achievable alternatives that can make an immediate impact. Two promising solutions on the horizon are PET bottles and biodegradation.
PepsiCo aims to enhance sustainability by ensuring that all its packaging is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, or reusable by 2025. The company plans to cut its usage of virgin plastics from non-renewable sources per serving by 50% by 2030 [4]. Another compelling example: Evian, is on its way to making single-use plastic bottles from 100% rPET by 2025 with the help of new technology companies like Loop Industries. This technology facilitates the recycling of single-use plastic bottles on a large scale, converting various types of PET single-use plastic waste into the high-quality material needed for the recycled bottles [5].
In conclusion, while paper packaging presents challenges, alternatives like PET bottles and biodegradable materials offer immediate solutions. As consumers, we can also play a crucial role by supporting brands that prioritise sustainable packaging and advocating for policies that promote recycling and waste reduction. [Missing a call to action to encourage readers to watch the video]
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Sources:
[1] Opportunities to Engage: Plastic Waste | WWF
[2] Beyond recycling: how to solve the plastic waste crisis | World Economic Forum
[3] Bottles Made From 100% Plant Plastic | The Coca-Cola Company
[4] PepsiCo Wants All Its Packaging to Meet Green Standards | Plastics Engineering
[5] Loop Industries
