Living in a ‘period of discovery’ when it comes to sustainability
Source: https://www.thepacker.com/opinion/living-period-discovery-when-it-comes-sustainability
Author: Marco Bini
Consumers are beginning to understand the impact of packaging on the environment. Over 40% of plastics today go to short-term use. Only 9% of plastic gets recycled. In a recyclable material, its mechanic properties, other materials associated to it, the condition at disposal, and the costs of collection and distribution may not make a recyclable product suitable to recycling. Packaging is a complex system that provides many different functions. No wonder consumers are puzzled and confused. This is why the CEO of next solution Marco Bini like to call this a discovery period. Consumers are questioning and learning. They will also participate in shaping where we are headed. The discovery process is in place and this will determine changes that can no longer be met with a Band-Aid approach. As more sustainable solutions come to market, they will be met with challenges to overcome.