Omar Khalid
Plastic neutrality is a concept that aims to address the environmental impact of plastic production and packaging by companies and individuals. It involves measuring the total weight of plastic used or created, often referred to as a plastic footprint, and then balancing it by facilitating the removal and recovery of an equivalent amount of plastic waste from the environment. This is typically achieved through partnerships with organizations like rePurpose Global, which offer plastic credits and plastic-offset projects. These projects fund the collection, processing, and reuse of ocean-bound plastic waste, providing economic opportunities for waste workers. While plastic neutrality is a step towards sustainability, it has faced criticism for not forcing companies to change their plastic usage and relying on credits instead of strict controls on plastic production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Being plastic neutral means that for every amount of plastic created, a measured equivalent of plastic waste is recovered and removed from the environment. |
| Plastic footprint | The total weight of plastic used or produced. |
| Plastic neutrality | An individual or organization’s plastic footprint is measured and balanced by the removal and recovery of plastic waste from nature, and complemented by reductions in plastic use. |
| Plastic credits | Plastic credits contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution by financing infrastructure where it is most needed. |
| Plastic neutrality and carbon neutrality | Plastic neutrality is different from carbon neutrality, which refers to a business using carbon offsets or alternative energy sources to produce, deliver, and use a product. |
| Plastic neutrality and plastic-free | Being plastic neutral is not the same as being plastic-free, which implies that a company does not use any plastic in its products or business operations. |
| Limitations | Plastic neutrality doesn't force companies to change their business practices. |
| Plastic neutrality and greenwashing | Plastic neutrality is considered greenwashing by some because it doesn't address the harms caused by plastic at every stage of its life cycle. |
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What You'll Learn
The difference between plastic-free and plastic-neutral
The term “plastic neutral” refers to a company or individual's commitment to balance their plastic consumption by removing and recovering an equal amount of plastic waste from nature. This is achieved through recycling or waste management efforts, funding plastic recovery projects, or purchasing plastic offsets. Being plastic neutral does not mean a company is "plastic-free", as it still involves the use of plastic in products or packaging.
A plastic footprint is the total weight of plastic used or produced by a company or individual. To become plastic neutral, one must first measure their plastic footprint, which includes plastic used in products, packaging, and operations. This is often facilitated by certifying organisations that provide assessment tools and support.
Being plastic-free, on the other hand, implies that a company or individual does not use any plastic in their products, packaging, or business operations. This means eliminating plastic entirely from the supply chain and finding alternative materials and packaging solutions. It is a more stringent approach that aims for a complete break from plastic use.
While plastic neutrality is a step towards sustainability, it does not address the root cause of plastic pollution. It allows companies to continue using plastic without fundamentally changing their business practices. Environmentalists argue that the goal should be to "buy less" and choose reusable, recyclable, or plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.
Some companies view plastic neutrality as a stepping stone towards more comprehensive action against plastic pollution. They acknowledge that it is not a perfect solution but believe it is a positive step in the right direction. These companies often explore new technologies and materials to reduce their plastic footprint further and aim for systemic change in their industries.
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How to achieve plastic neutrality
Plastic neutrality is achieved when an individual or organization balances their plastic footprint by removing and recovering plastic waste from the environment. This involves measuring the amount and type of plastic used in products and packaging, multiplying that amount by the number of units sold, and then funding the collection, processing, and reuse of an equivalent amount of plastic waste.
To achieve plastic neutrality, companies can partner with organizations such as rePurpose Global, which offers plastic neutrality certification. rePurpose Global works with companies to measure and track their plastic footprint, providing updates and verified data on their progress. They also collaborate on projects that recover plastic waste from oceans and nature, with a focus on plastic waste 'hotspots' such as India, Indonesia, Ghana, and Kenya.
Another way to achieve plastic neutrality is by purchasing "plastic credits" or "plastic offsets." These credits contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution by financing infrastructure, incentivizing the collection of plastic waste, and driving a circular economy through increased recycling rates. Plastic credits are offered by organizations like Plastic Collective, which provides tools, education, and a marketplace for remote communities to turn plastic waste into a profit.
It is important to note that plastic neutrality does not address the root causes of plastic pollution and may be perceived as a license to continue polluting. Critics argue that it does not force companies to change their business practices or reduce plastic production. Therefore, it should be combined with other measures to reduce plastic usage at the source and promote genuine sustainability.
Overall, achieving plastic neutrality requires a commitment to reducing plastic waste and taking responsibility for one's plastic footprint. It involves measuring, tracking, and reducing plastic use, as well as funding initiatives that remove or recycle an equivalent amount of plastic waste from the environment.
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The role of plastic credits
Plastic credits are a mechanism to incentivize the removal of plastic from the environment and the recycling of plastic into new products and packaging. They are usually issued by independent credit providers and represent a fixed weight of plastic that has been recovered or recycled.
There are two key participants in plastic credits: companies that use plastic in their products and packaging, and projects that collect and recycle plastic. Companies calculate their plastic footprint (the total weight of plastic used or produced) and purchase credits to counterbalance it. The money from the purchase of these credits funds projects to collect and recycle plastic waste, especially in areas lacking proper waste management infrastructure.
Plastic credits are different from carbon credits, which focus on reducing global emissions. Plastic credits target tangible plastic waste management, making it easier to see the results of initiatives and helping businesses stay accountable.
The market for plastic credits is emerging to support organizations in achieving plastic neutrality. However, it is important to note that plastic neutrality does not force companies to change their business practices, and there are concerns about the lack of regulation and deceptive marketing in the plastic credit space.
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Plastic neutrality and consumer appeal
Plastic neutrality is achieved when an individual or organisation's plastic footprint is measured and balanced by the removal and recovery of plastic waste from nature, and complemented by reductions in plastic use. It is important to note that being plastic neutral is not the same as being plastic-free, which implies that a company does not use any plastic in its products or business operations.
The concept of plastic neutrality is appealing to environmentally conscious brands that have not found alternatives to plastic packaging. This is why sectors such as personal care, food and beverage are well-represented among plastic-neutral brands. Plastic neutrality incentivises the collection and recovery of nature-bound plastic, with plastic credits contributing to the development of plastic recovery and recycling infrastructure.
However, there are concerns that neutrality will be used to justify ongoing plastic use and production, as the phrase implies that plastic production can be impact-free as long as it is "cancelled out" with credits. Plastic neutrality also does not force companies to change their business practices. Environmental advocates say consumers should be doing more to limit their plastic use, such as buying less, buying second-hand, and choosing non-synthetic or fibre-based products that can decompose.
Despite these concerns, plastic neutrality has been shown to have brand-building potential, with companies receiving an overwhelmingly positive consumer response. It has been noted that consumers increasingly demand value beyond a product's function, and products need to demonstrate tangible social responsibility. Plastic neutrality can help separate a brand from its competition and attract consumers who want to make a difference.
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Plastic neutrality in practice: a case study
Plastic neutrality is achieved when an individual or organisation measures its plastic footprint and balances it by removing and recovering plastic waste from nature, complemented by reductions in plastic use. It is different from being 'plastic-free', which implies that a company does not use any plastic in its products or business operations.
The first step to achieving plastic neutrality is to establish an accurate plastic footprint. This involves measuring the amount and type of plastic used in products and packaging and multiplying that amount by the number of units sold. Any other plastics used downstream of the manufacturing process are also included.
A case study: Nature's Logic
Nature's Logic was an early adopter of plastic neutrality and became the first Certified Plastic Neutral brand within the pet food market. They worked with rePurpose Global to measure the plastic footprint of their packaging and supply chains using data on product specifications and sales statistics.
The impact
The company's plastic neutrality initiative had an overwhelmingly positive consumer response, with customers aligning with the brand's values. It also received media attention, including a national newspaper editorial and interviews with local radio and TV stations.
Limitations and criticisms
While plastic neutrality is a step in the right direction, it has been criticised for not forcing companies to change their business practices and reduce plastic use. Some believe that stricter controls on plastic production are necessary instead of a waste management approach. The impact of purchasing plastic credits to offset plastic pollution has also been questioned, especially when the removal of plastic waste occurs in another country.
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