Sustainability Case for Plastics A Bryony Robertson SEND Project Manager, Stopford Energy & Environment

Plastics Today Integral part of modern life – durable, robust, flexible, light weight, multiple applications. Has reduced overall environmental impact of products – reduced product damage, impact of transportation, food waste. Huge societal benefits – planes, trains, insulation, clothes, containers, electronics, paints, cars, computers, roofs, drain pipes….

Applications of plastics can lead to energy savings

Although arguments for improved storage and transportation systems

So what’s the crisis? A plastic litter crisis, NOT a plastics crisis. The situation is complex but focuses on single-use plastic. Build up of plastics in the environment, remains for centuries. Most plastics fragment into nano particles that end up in the air, soil and water. Leaching of dangerous chemicals. Hazardous to human health and wildlife. Packaging is very much in the spotlight, but some of the solutions being advocated make little environmental sense. Business should use this crisis to make meaningful changes with real long-term benefits for health and the environment. BPA in water bottles.

Our consumption habits and waste management systems have not adapted to the increase in population and subsequent increase in consumption and waste, material advancements and changes in consumer behaviour (a throwaway society). Cause of the plastics crisis – waste management system not adapted to changing consumption trends over last 50 years. Never had a material before that can be so easily and cheaply manufactured on a huge scale but lasts centuries

Litter caused through leakage or improper disposal has lead to the ‘plastics crisis’. >50% of plastic waste that flows into the oceans comes from: China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Required business changes: Sustainable & safe material inputs (might still be plastic!) Design for re-use or easy recycling. Efficient production. Improved communication with consumers. Responsible end-of-life disposal. Circular economy innovation. To establish a new plastics economy, and an overall low-carbon economy, a closed-loop system needs to be developed… businesses will play a vital role in supporting this.

Plastics Strategy… Undertake a plastic inventory to identify volumes, types and formats used in your business. Decide whether each is a critical part of your business and consider removing or minimising those that are not. Research alternative products, materials or designs for the remaining plastics and compare carbon consumption/environmental impact. Develop a cost/benefit analysis and invite stakeholders to voice their opinions. Revise strategy annually. Whether an office business or manufacturer, the same applies but at a different scale. Critical? e.g. plastic water coolers are not vital as we can drink tap water in the UK. Alternative materials or designs? e.g. plastic cups vs. glasses vs. paper cups vs. biodegradable cups.

Plastics Strategy… Carbon footprint: extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, distribution, use and reuse, end-of-life (recycling, disposal, waste to energy) Design (if relevant): refillable, replaceable components, reusable, easy dismantling for recycling, can be 3D printed, materials reduction… Materials: bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, glass, paper, aluminium, steel… Undertake a plastic inventory to identify volumes, types and formats used in your business. Decide whether each is a critical part of your business and consider removing or minimising those that are not. Research alternative products, materials or designs for the remaining plastics and compare carbon consumption/environmental impact. Develop a cost/benefit analysis and invite stakeholders to voice their opinions. materials or designs for the remaining plastics and compare carbon consumption/environmental impact. Develop a cost/benefit analysis and invite stakeholders to voice their opinions. Justifying each process or component of your product from an environmental perspective – whether or not it’s plastic

Benefits to Businesses Reduce waste disposal costs Reduce energy costs Increase profits Consumers are starting to demand more environmentally sustainable products and services. Presents an opportunity for businesses to innovate, develop new USPs and marketing opportunities, secure customer loyalty, reduce waste disposal costs, safeguard supply chains and become more competitive when bidding for work. Could prove financially beneficial and help ‘future-proof’ the business. Businesses can influence consumer choices but also the choices of their own staff through awareness.

How can we help your business? Low Carbon Economy Consumers Business How can we help your business? SEND Supply Chain Development Programme 12 hours of FREE consultancy from expert environmental and innovation consultants. Available to all eligible SMEs in Staffordshire (less than 50million euro turnover & 250 staff) We can help develop your plastics strategy, e.g.: Researching alternative materials or product design. Carbon footprinting for materials and process comparisons. End-of-life research (waste to energy, recycling, reuse).

How can we help your business? Low Carbon Economy Consumers Business How can we help your business? SEND Supply Chain Development Programme Other services we offer include: Resource & sustainability review (waste/energy/water). Environmental legislation review. Supporting the development of products or services. Quantifying energy & low carbon credentials. Smart & renewable energy advice. Links to other funded support. 4.6/5 feedback

Contact Us SEND@stopford.co.uk bryony.robertson@stopford.co.uk 0151 357 7740 www.stopford.co.uk/SEND