Waste management & prevention
The value of plastics – used almost everywhere – has also created one of its most significant challenges. Plastics do not belong in our environment, food or drinking water. We believe any plastics waste in the environment is unacceptable.
We need a holistic approach to plastics waste. One built on waste prevention, reuse, reduce and repair, and the development of a circular economy to support this. We will need to harness the power of innovation and technology and eco-design based solutions to significantly increase the amount of reuse and recycling, by designing for recycling and developing more cutting-edge recycling techniques.
Working in partnership for a circular plastics economy
We’ll do this by working hand in hand with our value chain partners – from producers to technology providers, converters, recyclers, and brand owners – as well as government, civil society and consumers.
We are fully engaged in the Circular Plastic Alliance to accelerate the circular economy for plastics and reach the 10 million tonnes of recycled plastics into new European products by 2025. We are also engaged with the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Partnership to develop practical solutions to prevent the environmental health and social impacts of waste exports.
Sorting and collection
Effective waste collection and sorting is the first step in bringing plastics back into a circular economy. Plastics are a valuable resource, and when collected correctly, they help reduce waste while creating new materials for reuse.
Read more about sorting and collection
Pellet loss prevention
While high environmental, safety and quality management controls are applied throughout the plastics industry, unintentional loss of pellets can occur at different stages along the value chain, resulting in pellets potentially ending up in the environment. Through our work with Operation Clean Sweep® and our members’ implementation of the programme, we’re making great steps towards ensuring that pellets don’t enter the environment.
Read more about pellet loss prevention
Marine litter prevention
Marine litter results from a combination of factors, including the lack of proper waste management in some parts of the world and inappropriate littering behaviour. As an industry, we are committed to partnerships to tackle the problem at the source.
Read more about marine litter prevention
Food waste
With food relying on many factors from farm to fork, plastics help ensure that food waste can be reduced along the way. Plastic food packaging helps keep it fresh, protected and free from contamination.
Read more about the prevention of food waste
Packaging
Plastic packaging has many benefits, from keeping items safe and hygienic to contributing to reduced emissions due to its lightweight properties. Packaging made from plastics is also strong, durable and can be recycled, giving it another life.
Read more about plastic packaging