With the recent release of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) draft strategy on plastic pollution, many businesses are wondering how their operations will be affected.
The “National Plastic Pollution Prevention Strategy” includes targets to reduce pollution during plastic production, improve the management of post-use materials and prevent waste and micro/nanoplastics from entering waterways.
The announcement signals a significant commitment by the US government to climate-friendly solutions. But what does this mean for businesses that currently rely on single-use plastic or other non-recyclable materials?
Packaging Gateway spoke to Good Natured, an eco-friendly packaging company, about how businesses can use the new regulation to their advantage. The company offers three tips:
- Take inventory of your packaging and products to find out what they are made of. The transition from fossil resources is not an overnight task – coupled with the fact that there are a limited number of suppliers and manufacturers using renewable alternatives, you will need to decide where the biggest investment should be and then look for partners who can help you help you take the Next step.
- As you transition to greener packaging and products, look for manufacturers who are already turning biomaterials into a finished product.
- Educate your employees, stakeholders and customers about what you are doing to make greener improvements. That way, if changes need to be made to pricing, delivery, design, or aesthetics, the company will have the experience of being transparent about its sustainability goals.
Good Natured CEO Paul Antoniadis also provided answers to some of the packaging industry’s hottest sustainability questions.
How can businesses stay abreast of changing packaging sustainability laws?
Navigating today’s fast-paced regulatory landscape can be the difference between business success or failure. To do this, it is critical to choose a packaging supplier who can serve as your trusted advisor and translator who understands your business needs and the complex regulations coming fast and furious. An informed partner can recommend sustainable solutions that work for your unique circumstances, ensuring compliance and achievement of sustainability goals, giving you an edge in an ever-changing marketplace.
What more can government bodies do to bring about further changes for environmentally friendly packaging?
Government can do more by adopting all material technology platforms, not just those that fit today’s infrastructure. It is also essential to educate consumers and businesses about the benefits of emerging material technologies. By reducing their reliance on fossil fuels for packaging, we can have a positive impact on the environment while supporting the economy.
What are the biggest business opportunities in sustainable materials?
The biggest opportunity in sustainable packaging is the concept of circular packaging. By embracing the principles of the circular economy, we can ensure that our resources are used efficiently and sustainably. This includes using bio-based materials and optimizing packaging design to reduce damage and food waste while maximizing retail shelf exposure.
Good Natured’s sustainable plant-based packaging is produced in its own facilities in North America. The company has reportedly displaced $30 million worth of petroleum-based plastics to date and is on a mission to bridge the gap between new industrial technologies and market demand.