Sean Grundy’s Post

Rethinking Packaging! A recent report reveals that 51% of supermarket food and drink is still in unnecessary plastic. As consumers, we can drive change by demanding: 🔄 Sustainable Solutions: Support brands using biodegradable or reusable materials. 🌱 Transparency: Choose companies that are open about their packaging practices. 📢 Community Initiatives: Get involved in local programs to reduce plastic waste. Together, we can make a positive impact!  #Sustainability #PlasticWaste #EcoFriendly

Exciting news from KP Snacks! They've announced that their sharing bags of Tyrrells crisps now feature packaging with 25% recycled soft plastics The average (LinkedIn) consumer might think that the packaging contains recycled plastics..... but no. But what does this really mean? The company introduced 25% recycled plastic into their packaging using the ISCC - International Sustainability and Carbon Certification mass balance approach (learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ere-_-rR).  Here's the process: Plastic waste is transformed into fuel (tac/py-oil) through chemical recycling, which is used in the cracker feed. This oil is broken down in the cracker, yielding hydrocarbons like ethylene and propylene, essential for creating polyethylene and polypropylene, commonly used plastics for food packaging. Let's assume that this tac/py-oil is 10% of the cracker feed. using the mass balance method this 10% can be attributed to 10% of the cracker output (so-called free attribution). Next this 10% is finally attributed to virgin (new) plastic. Finally, the packaging film producer buys plastic resin with a certificate stating that 25% of the plastic is based on chemically recycled plastic waste. Using this packaging film KP Snacks claims that their sharing bags now contain 25% recycled soft plastics. Is this correct? Not in my opinion as in practice only a part of the 10% cracker feed will end up as cracker output and therefore resulting in less than 10% virgin plastic based on plastic waste. But that's the technical part. Even more important is the legal part. As far as I'm aware the European Commission (EC) did not approve chemical recycling as a recycling method. Let's be clear: I have nothing against chemical recycling as some plastic waste cannot be mechanically recycled. Next, mechanically recycled plastic is generally unsuitable for food packaging (except for rPET). Regarding KP Snacks sharing bags for Tyrrells crisps. This is just one of the many examples I almost daily come across. So let's stop making incorrect claims that are not even legal. Let's see if the new Directive on Green Claims stops companies from making misleading claims about the environmental merits of their products and services. #useplasticswisely #pcr #greenwashing #circulariekoek Chaim Gabriel Waibel

The food packaging crisis we cannot ignore 🌍 Every year, billions of single-use plastic containers fill our landfills and oceans. They serve a purpose for mere minutes yet linger on our planet for centuries. Just imagine, that plastic container you bought, that had packed meat or vegetables for your lunch today, will likely outlast generations. ⛔ We are not just talking about waste here. This is an environmental emergency. The hidden cost of our addiction to plastic in food packaging is increasing. And as plastic waste breaks down, it leaves behind microplastics that contaminate our water our soil and even the food we eat. We are witnessing pollution at a rate that has started to feel irreversible, while the choices of food industry packaging often feel stuck in the past clinging to »cheap« and »convenient« materials. What if our packaging matched our environmental goals? 🔍 Just think of every food container serving its purpose but also respecting the planet. Think of a world where each time we eat, every decision about packaging aligns with our pledge for sustainability without leaving toxic traces behind. Moulded pulp: The sustainable breakthrough of food packaging 🌿 Moulded pulp is changing the future of food packaging in an environmentally friendly way. Made wholly from renewable resources, it's robust enough to safely ship food and yet quickly biodegrades after being disposed of. No toxic residue, no 400-year decomposition timeline-just a clean, sustainable cycle that supports a healthier planet. 💡 Why moulded pulp packaging matters to us all? Using moulded pulp packaging, food brands and consumers are choosing to: ➡️ Radically reduce plastic waste ➡️ Prevent pollution of oceans, soil and food chains ➡️ Support a future of responsible, sustainable choices It is now time for that shift which the planet and future generations really deserve. Moulded pulp packaging isn't just a fad. It is the next generation of responsible food packaging. Follow us for more insights, innovations, and news about eco-friendly packaging. Let's lead the change toward a cleaner, greener future.

This week, the EU has taken a major step forward in the fight against plastic pollution by agreeing to ban single-use plastics in restaurants and cafes starting in 2030. This move marks a shift from the throwaway society that the US pioneered in the 1950s. It's not a matter of "if" the US will follow but "when"! The good news is that American regulations are also making progress with single-use plastic bans. Let's not wait for legislation to require us to adopt non-plastic alternatives. At WSP in the U.S., our circularity experts can help you anticipate regulation and adopt sustainable and circular packaging that makes economic sense. Join us in working towards a more sustainable future! #sustainablepackaging #circularity #wsp

Blue Tribe Foods announced a significant achievement in its mission towards environmental sustainability: attaining plastic neutrality in partnership with The Disposal Company (TDC). This milestone underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Moreover, Blue Tribe Foods has been awarded the prestigious Sustainability Seal for its innovative plant-based product line, marking a new chapter in its eco-conscious journey. Founded by Sandeep Singh and Nikki Arora Singh, Blue Tribe Foods has emerged as a pioneer in the plant-based meat industry. Their products, crafted from ingredients such as peas, soybeans, lentils, and grains, have delighted consumers while promoting a greener, more sustainable planet. The company's mission has been further amplified by the support of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose endorsement helped shine a spotlight on the importance of plant-based eating in India. Their investment reflects shared values of compassion for animals and environmental preservation. As plastic waste continues to be a global challenge, companies like Blue Tribe Foods play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. According to the Plastic Waste Statistics report, 2.26 million tonnes of plastic packaging were covered under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for 2022-23. In partnership with TDC, led by Bhagyashree Bhansali, an expert in plastic waste measurement and reduction, Blue Tribe Foods has offset its plastic footprint and taken impactful steps to reduce carbon emissions across its operations. Sohil Wazir, Chief Commercial Officer at Blue Tribe Foods, stated, “Our partnership with TDC exemplifies our deep commitment to environmental stewardship. With their support, we are actively offsetting plastic waste and paving the way for a more sustainable future. Together, we’re working to ensure responsible management of every bit of plastic, reinforcing our mission to nurture a greener planet.” Founder of The Disposal Company, Bhagyashree Bhansali, added, “The Sustainability Seal awarded to Blue Tribe Foods recognizes their dedication to environmental standards and ethical business practices. Their eco-friendly and innovative products set a powerful example for other brands to follow.” Blue Tribe Foods continues to inspire both consumers and brands alike to prioritize sustainability, making strides towards a more eco-conscious society. Through partnerships with industry leaders like TDC, the brand remains at the forefront of driving meaningful change in the battle against plastic waste. #BlueTribeFoods #TheDisposalCompany #PlasticNeutrality #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #PlantBased #EnvironmentalImpact #SustainabilitySeal #GreenFuture #InnovativeFood #ReducePlastic #SustainableLiving #EcoConscious #PlasticWaste #ClimateAction #GreenPlanet #AnushkaSharma #ViratKohli #BrandAmbassadors #Endorsements #EthicalBusiness #SustainableBrands #PlasticFootprint #SustainableInnovation #AllBoutCorps

TL;DR “…it’s very, very, very hard for us to shift (away from plastics). But it has to start with ourselves, as individuals, and how the difference we make will affect others because I know the ripple effect works,” Another excellent article (link in comments) by CNA on reducing plastic waste, even if a bit long and the headline hardly doing justice to the content. In summary, there's the Good, the Areas-to-Improve, and the Hard Truth. The Good: There's a small and growing number taking practical everyday actions to reduce their plastic consumption, even if their motive are more financial than altruistic. Some examples: a. “I’ve cultivated this habit for about five years now, and it’s mainly thanks to my mum. She takes active steps to minimise unnecessary use of plastic, and she’s been carrying an eco bag to get groceries for as long as I can remember. It’s like trying to drink more water throughout the day. You just have to remind yourself and translate that thought into action constantly,” b. ‘the 65-year-old told TODAY that her children persuaded her to stop using plastic bags to “save the animals”. “If we don’t start (practising green habits), then our children and grandchildren won’t start. So we have to start somewhere.” c. ‘…initially, washing and drying the containers after eating felt troublesome, but she soon adapted to it.’ “My motivation was to save on money paid for the plastic containers or cups…" d. ‘…the number of plastic bags used at large supermarkets had dropped by 50 to 80 per cent since the mandatory minimum charge of five cents kicked in.’‘ The Areas-to-Improve/Work Hard on: The vast majority are still deterred by a few main factors, including Convenience, Cost, and Performance (food safety, etc) ‘…green habits ,,, are still the exception rather than the norm.’ ‘Convenience is an oft-cited reason, with consumers saying it is too “troublesome” to bring their own bags or containers.’ I think businesses get it and are working hard to come up with solutions that address these concerns. Is charging 10, 20, or 50 cents a bag/container the answer? In Singapore's context, it works! Consumers may complain for a while, but get used to it after, or simply make the rational decision to cut down. Look for more businesses to jump on the bandwagon in the coming weeks & months, loud complaints notwithstanding. The Hard Truths: Every single person in Singapore generates almost 500g of plastic waste every day. That’s equivalent to thrashing at least 3 large plastic bottles with up to 1 liter capacity, day-in & day-out, rain or shine! A staggering number even by what I’ve witnessed in some households. ‘Singapore is also one of the world’s greatest consumers of single-use plastics, with a per capita use of 76kg in 2019.’ That's averaging 11 plastic bags every day for every person in Singapore! Semakau landfill can hold out till 2035. Reduce & Reuse is what will make a meaningful impact to extending its use beyond. Happy Labour Day!

Fewer than 60 multinationals are responsible for more than half of the world’s plastic pollution, with five responsible for a quarter of that, based on the findings of a piece of research published on Wednesday and summarised in The Guardian below ⬇️ Study confirms Philip Morris International, Danone, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and The Coca-Cola Company are worst offenders. See: https://lnkd.in/eRbTnRB6 Do we blame the originator or the consumer? Or do both have to demand and instigate change? ♻️ 🌍 #sustainabilityleadership SDG 13, 14 & 15 (not more 8)

We have a deal! We’re watching history unfold tonight as the #PPWR trilogues end in a deal 🤝 The objectives strive to: 📦 Reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. ☠️ Ban deadly “forever chemicals” used in packaging. 🍽️ Achieve zero single-use plastic in the food and retail service sector by 2030. 🧰 Ensure takeaways give consumers the option to bring their own container. Is it everything we dreamed of? Absolutely not. 😐 The deal reached dropped crucial targets for reuse, which would have been a boost to the economy, drastically cut down on waste pollution, and contributed to real circularity principles. 😵 Instead, we got a bill that makes sure materials are recyclable by 2030, which flies in the face of the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle…(there’s a reason “recycle” is last). More to come tomorrow when Zero Waste Europe issues its press release. In the meantime congratulations to all the negotiators and environmental campaigners who fought hard on this important bill.

What’s worse: being the #1 plastic polluter or thinking you’re too big for accountability to catch up? This is why FloWater exists—to challenge the status quo and offer a cleaner, more sustainable future where water is always unwrapped. Consumers deserve better than broken promises wrapped in plastic. It’s time to take a stand. Ditch the big bottled brands and choose solutions that deliver healthy alternatives to sugary drinks without harming the planet. #FloWaterUnwrapped https://lnkd.in/gv-Edzcf

Did you know that the Philippines is among the leading contributors to sachet plastic waste in Asia? An audit revealed that a staggering 86% of sachets collected were used for packaged food items. It's high time we rethink our approach towards sustainable packaging solutions. Advocates are urging multinational corporations to shift away from sachets and embrace reuse and refill models. Let's join hands in making a difference for our environment. Together, we can create a future where plastic waste becomes a thing of the past. #SustainablePackaging #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #PlasticWasteReduction 🌍💚 https://lnkd.in/gVqgfSym