The Plastic Packaging Problem: How Much Is Too Much?

Plastic is a valuable yet ubiquitous resource with a wide range of applications. It is cheap, versatile, durable, and pliable, making it ideal for many uses. However, these same qualities have also made it an environmental concern, with plastic pollution becoming an increasingly pressing issue. While plastic has a variety of applications, it is predominantly used for packaging, which accounts for approximately 40% of the world's plastic waste. This includes single-use plastic food and beverage containers, of which 85% end up in landfills or as mismanaged waste. In 2018, the containers and packaging category accounted for the most plastic tonnage, at over 14.5 million tons, with plastic bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, jars, and other containers contributing significantly to this figure.

Plastic packaging waste in the US, Europe and China

Packaging is the source of 40% of the planet’s plastic waste. Plastic waste has become one of the biggest environmental issues worldwide, polluting land, oceans, air, and even food and human blood.

Plastic packaging waste in the US

The US is one of the world's largest consumers of plastics, with plastic use in the country more than tripling since the 1980s. In 2019, US plastic waste generation was estimated at 73 million metric tons, corresponding to more than 220 kilograms per inhabitant. This was roughly five times more than the global average per capita plastic waste generation. Plastic containers and packaging are the main sources of plastic waste in the US, accounting for roughly 12% of municipal solid waste generation.

Plastic packaging waste in Europe

While EU countries have been recycling more plastic waste, they also generate more of it. Previously, a significant share of exported plastic waste from the EU was shipped to China, but restrictions on imports of plastic waste in China will likely decrease EU exports. This poses the risk of increased incineration and landfilling of plastic waste in Europe. About 22 million tonnes of plastic found its way into soils, rivers, and oceans in 2019, and plastic leakage is projected to double by 2060. As part of the Green Deal, the EU has set a target of recycling 55% of plastic packaging waste by 2030.

Plastic packaging waste in China

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of plastics. The dramatic expansion in plastic packaging waste has exacerbated environmental problems, causing increasingly severe damage to the ecosystem and living organisms. In recent years, China has introduced a series of policies and measures to promote plastic waste recycling, such as the National Plastic Resource Recycling Strategy and the "Guidance on Expediting the Establishment of a Green, Low-Carbon, Circular Economic System".

Plastic resins used in packaging

Plastic resins are used in a variety of packaging products, including bottles, bags, sacks, wraps, and lids. They are also used in durable goods such as appliances, furniture, and casings for lead-acid batteries. The most common types of plastic resins used in packaging include:

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): PET is commonly used in beverage bottles, jars, and other containers. It is relatively recyclable, with a 29.1% recycling rate for PET bottles and jars in 2018.
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is used in bottles for milk and water, as well as other natural bottles. HDPE natural bottles also have a relatively high recycling rate of 29.3% in 2018.
• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is known for its flexibility and is often used in plastic bags, films, and containers. It is not as commonly recycled as PET or HDPE.
• Polypropylene (PP): PP is a versatile resin used in a wide range of packaging applications, including containers, bottles, and caps. It is lightweight, durable, and has good barrier properties.
• Polystyrene (PS): PS is commonly used in food packaging, such as disposable cups, containers, and trays. It is lightweight and inexpensive but has come under scrutiny for its environmental impact.

These plastic resins have revolutionized the packaging industry, providing resource efficiency, safety, and convenience. However, the environmental impact of plastic packaging waste, particularly from single-use items, has become a significant global concern, leading to initiatives to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic materials.

Plastic packaging as a percentage of total plastic waste

Plastic packaging is a significant contributor to the planet's plastic waste problem, accounting for around 40% of the total plastic waste generated. This figure is consistent across various sources and regions, indicating a widespread reliance on plastic packaging that has significant environmental implications.

In 2018, the United States generated approximately 35.7 million tons of plastic, with the containers and packaging category contributing over 14.5 million tons. This category includes plastic bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, jars, and other containers commonly used for beverages, milk, and water. The high tonnage of plastic waste in this category underscores the significant impact of packaging on the overall plastic waste stream.

The issue of plastic packaging waste is not limited to the United States. In Europe, packaging accounts for 38% of total plastic waste, while in China, it accounts for 45%. Together, these three regions—the United States, Europe, and China—contribute to 60% of global packaging waste generation. This highlights the global nature of the problem and the need for international cooperation to address it.

While some types of plastic containers have relatively higher recycling rates, such as PET bottles and jars (29.1% in 2018) and HDPE natural bottles (29.3% in 2018), the overall recycling rate for plastics is relatively low. In 2018, only 3 million tons of plastic were recycled in the United States, resulting in an 8.7% recycling rate. This indicates that a large portion of plastic packaging waste is not being effectively recycled or managed sustainably.

The high percentage of plastic packaging waste in the total plastic waste underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and improved waste management practices. With the rapid urbanization and the convenience of disposable products, the amount of plastic waste is only expected to increase unless significant changes are made in how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastic packaging.

Plastic packaging recycling rates

The EU's Packaging Waste Directive sets a minimum recovery rate of 60% (including waste incineration) and a recycling target of between 55% and 80% for packaging waste, with a minimum rate of 22.5% for plastics. However, the recycling rate for plastic packaging waste counts only material that is recycled back into plastic. This means that the actual amount of plastic packaging waste recycled is likely lower than the reported recycling rates, which include other forms of recovery such as energy recovery through incineration.

The increase in plastic packaging waste generation is outpacing the increase in recycling rates. Between 2011 and 2021, the amount of plastic packaging waste generated per capita in the EU increased by 26.7% (+7.6 kg/per capita), while the recycled amount only increased by 38.1% (+3.9 kg/per capita). This trend continued in 2022, with an increase in packaging material recycled of almost 5,000 tonnes, but still, over 480,000 tonnes of packaging material was not recycled.

To improve plastic packaging recycling rates, there has been a call for a focus on waste avoidance and reuse. This includes improving waste segregation by households and businesses, as well as minimising single-use packaging and promoting packaging reuse. Fiscal measures and deposit return schemes can also help incentivise householders and businesses to recycle more.

Plastic packaging alternatives

Plastic packaging is a significant contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. In 2018, the United States generated 35.7 million tons of plastic, 12.2% of which was plastic packaging material. The containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage, at over 14.5 million tons. This includes bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, jars, and other containers.

The popularity of plastic packaging stems from its affordability, durability, and convenience. However, the environmental impact of plastic pollution has led to a growing movement advocating for plastic packaging alternatives. Here are some alternatives to plastic packaging:

Bioplastics or Plant-Based Plastics

Plant-based plastics are made from natural materials like cornstarch and bamboo fibres, which are then broken down into polylactic acid. They possess similar properties to traditional plastics, including sturdiness, and are biodegradable in industrial landfills or home composts. Bioplastics have been increasingly used for drink bottles, food containers, and films, offering a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Bagasse

Bagasse is the dry fibrous material leftover from sugarcane after juice extraction. It is a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic tableware and utensils. Bagasse is malleable and can be easily moulded into packaging for food delivery and takeaway services. As a byproduct of sugarcane production, it is relatively more sustainable to produce.

Paper-Based Alternatives

Paper-based alternatives, such as paperboard or cardboard, are experiencing a resurgence as packaging materials. For example, EverGrow offers a line of paperboard solutions to replace produce trays, totes, punnets, and carriers, providing moisture resistance and recyclability. Additionally, corrugated trays and paper-based wraps made from extensible kraft paper can replace plastic film and shrink wrap.

Metal Packaging

Metal packaging is another alternative that was commonly used before the widespread adoption of plastic. The metal packaging industry is expected to grow, offering a durable and recyclable option for products.

Algae-Based Replacements

Algae-based compounds can be used to create "plastics" with similar properties to traditional plastics but without the negative environmental impact.

While these alternatives exist, it is important to note that the adoption of plastic alternatives faces challenges. Petroleum-based plastics are inexpensive and efficient to produce, and alternatives may struggle to compete on cost and performance. Additionally, some alternatives, like bamboo, face supply chain challenges and require modifications to match the strength of plastic. Nonetheless, with growing consumer awareness and pressure, companies are increasingly exploring sustainable packaging designs and materials to reduce their environmental impact.

Frequently asked questions