The idea of a circular economy, which we implement as the Polish Plastic Pact, can be summed up in the following statement: first of all, say no to waste. In the case of companies that participate in the Pact, the process of reducing plastic consumption begins with an in-depth analysis and assessment of their packaging portfolio. Then, among other things, on the basis of the materials created by the Pact, they can plan the next steps in the process of changes, implementing the principles of eco-design in new packaging. Most often, upon embarking on the packaging transformation, companies already have large stocks of ordered and previously purchased packaging in their warehouses. In such a case you should, of course, first use those materials that have already been produced, so as not to waste any resources.
One interesting concept, supported by the Pact, is innovation at the source. These innovations are aimed at implementing the principles of circular economy in the packaging sector. Their distinguishing feature is a holistic approach – they require us to think not only about the packaging itself (i.e. selection of materials, design, production method), which is usually thought about in the context of changes in packaging, but also about changes within the product itself (its formula, shape or size) or within the business model (the way the product is delivered, the supply chain or even the place of its production). We consider the implementation of innovations at source according to three circular economy strategies: elimination, reuse and circulation of materials – the implementation of each of them will allow a company to reduce its plastic consumption.
Looking at recent years, we can see that the companies’ awareness and the sense of responsibility for the introduced packaging has increased – there are visible changes on store shelves and in gradually implemented circular practices. The Polish Plastic Pact, which has been active since 2020, is a platform for cooperation between companies influencing the various life stages of packaging – from their production to recycling. The joint efforts we undertake and the effects of our work published in the form of reports, studies and tools are supposed to serve not only the members of the Pact, but also the Polish market as a whole. Thanks to them, responsible entrepreneurs know how to eliminate problematic packaging, reduce plastic consumption, or design packaging so that it is suitable to be recycled. One additional factor influencing the pace of change in companies is legislation, which, both at the European and global level, is now starting to set more and more ambitious goals for companies.
The first issue, most often raised with regard to challenges, is the regulatory environment. In Poland, we are still waiting for a number of legal changes that would allow enterprises to systematize and plan activities in the long term, as well as to make decisions on the direction of future investment. At the same time, at the European Union level, for the past several months we have been observing the process of development of ambitious regulations that will revolutionize the market and put us on track to a circular economy. Harmonization and predictability of the legal framework will allow companies to develop in a more stable and sustainable way.
Another challenge, but also an opportunity, is that of cooperation. The search for circular solutions – if it is to be effective – cannot be limited to one department in one company. The implementation of the principles of the circular economy in practice requires the involvement of specialists from various parts of the organization, and additionally – which may prove more difficult – cooperation with other companies, including competitors. However, activities carried out in partnerships allow us to achieve the synergy effect, which in this case will certainly be beneficial for the environment. It is also worth mentioning the relationship between companies and consumers, who are one of the key elements of the circular economy puzzle. Education, building awareness or support in the correct segregation of waste (e.g. by placing appropriate signs on the packaging) will allow us to increase the quality of selective waste collection, and with it also the popularity of recycling, which will also translate into less pollution of the environment and less depletion of the earth’s natural resources.
Another challenge is the need for investment – searching for innovation, conducting research and tests is expensive and requires numerous resources (financial, human, time) that must be devoted before we can start reaping the benefits of this work in the long run. It is also worth mentioning a less obvious resource, which is courage – to be a pioneer, to pave new paths, but also to make mistakes. Investments are needed at every stage of the packaging’s life – from design methods and technology to infrastructure for recycling.
Although the road to closing the plastic packaging loop is not easy, we should appreciate the ever-growing number of good practices implemented by companies that show how individual challenges can be dealt with. Such examples can be found, among others, in the Annual Reports of the Polish Plastic Pact.
Poles produce more and more waste each year – according to Statistics Poland (i.e. the Polish Central Statistical Office), in 2021 there was an average of 358 kg of newly produced waste per capita, which means an increase of 16 kg compared to 2020. Unfortunately, more waste also means more problems with its management – in order for it to be recycled, the consumers have to properly segregate it. Although – as indicated by numerous reports – this activity is one of the pro-ecological activities most frequently declared by our compatriots, in 2020 only 38% of the total amount of collected waste was collected selectively. At this point, it is worth emphasizing once again that companies can support their consumers by placing on the product label clear instructions on what to do with the packaging and which of the five types of containers they should be thrown into.