Technological watch
Plastic circularity success requires money, education, design
Success in creating a circular economy will not happen with a single solution or even two.
For Diane Marret, sustainability director for Berry Global Group Inc.'s Consumer Packaging North America division, change requires investment in recycling facilities and expansion to recycled resin access.
There also must be more education for both the plastics industry and consumers as well as an emphasis on designing for recyclability.
"The challenges are big. The market is ever-changing," Marret said Sept. 20 during a presentation during the first day of the Plastic Caps & Closures 2021 conference, organized by Plastics News. "But the accomplishments are so rewarding. Each time one of our new innovations is launched, I can see how our work is helping to create long-term solutions to maximize for circularity.
"Circularity has become a critical strategy for every business, whether you are a supplier, a manufacturer, a brand owner or retailer," she said during a virtual presentation.
But that does not mean there are not wide-ranging challenges.
"We will always be limited ... for circularity without ongoing education within the industry and among our consumers. Confusion around why and how the circular economy works limits engagement," she said, and can create chatter that detracts from momentum.
For Diane Marret, sustainability director for Berry Global Group Inc.'s Consumer Packaging North America division, change requires investment in recycling facilities and expansion to recycled resin access.
There also must be more education for both the plastics industry and consumers as well as an emphasis on designing for recyclability.
"The challenges are big. The market is ever-changing," Marret said Sept. 20 during a presentation during the first day of the Plastic Caps & Closures 2021 conference, organized by Plastics News. "But the accomplishments are so rewarding. Each time one of our new innovations is launched, I can see how our work is helping to create long-term solutions to maximize for circularity.
"Circularity has become a critical strategy for every business, whether you are a supplier, a manufacturer, a brand owner or retailer," she said during a virtual presentation.
But that does not mean there are not wide-ranging challenges.
"We will always be limited ... for circularity without ongoing education within the industry and among our consumers. Confusion around why and how the circular economy works limits engagement," she said, and can create chatter that detracts from momentum.
This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme
The website reflects only the author's view. The Commission is not responsible for any use thay may be made of the information it contains.Last update: 2022-01-31
