The environmental cost of using plastics in consumer goods and packaging is nearly four times lower than that of alternative materials, a new study has found.
Findings from a recent report on plastics and sustainability completely shatter a common misperception around the environmental impact of the material, claiming that replacing plastics in consumer products and packaging with a mix of alternative materials would in fact increase environmental costs from $139bn to $533bn annually.
That is because strong, lightweight plastics help manufacturers do more with less material, which provides environmental benefits throughout the lifecycle of plastic products and packaging, the authors of the report explain.
The study also concluded that the environmental costs of alternative materials can be lower per tonne of production but are greater in aggregate due to the much larger quantities of material needed to fulfil the same purposes as plastics.
It also suggests steps to help further reduce plastics’ overall environmental costs by increasing the use of lower-carbon electricity in plastics production, adopting lower-emission transport modes, developing even more efficient plastic packaging, and increasing recycling and energy conversion of post-use plastics to help curb ocean litter and conserve resources.
The study, conducted by environmental research organisaiton
Trucost, is based on natural capital accounting methods, which measure and value environmental impacts—such as consumption of water and emissions to air, land and water—which are not typically factored into traditional financial accounting.
“We now have a fuller picture of the environmental benefits of using plastics,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council, which commissioned the study.
“From lighter, more fuel-efficient cars to smart packaging that helps our favourite foods last longer; our industry is committed to ongoing innovations that will advance sustainability across major market sectors and the globe.”
Craig Halgreen, vice president for corporate sustainability — Borouge & Leader at the GPCA’s Plastics Committee Sustainability Taskforce, added: “There is now quantifiable proof that plastics, in its various forms, play a significant role in providing innovative plastics solutions to societal challenges.
“This report emphasizes the importance of product innovation and eco-friendly after-life solutions such as sustainable municipal waste collection and management practices.
“It also highlights the responsible role of mechanical recycling in creating a circular economy and reducing plastics marine litter.”
