Summarizing The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Report on Plastics

If you’ve been meaning to sit down and read The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report on rethinking plastics, then this blog post is for you.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation published a report in 2017 titled "The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the Future of Plastics." The report analyzed the global plastics economy and identified opportunities to transition to a more circular economy for plastics. It highlighted the impact of plastic waste on the environment, particularly in the ocean, and called for a systemic change in the way we produce, use, and dispose of plastics. The overall objective of the report was to give direction while sparking innovation and moving the plastic value chain into a positive spiral of value capture, stronger economics, and better environmental outcomes.

The report identified plastic pallet wrap as one of the largest contributors to plastic waste in the global economy. And it is estimated that over 1.5 million tons of plastic wrap were used in 2015, and this number is expected to double in the next 20 years.

The report identified three main challenges associated with plastic pallet wrap. First, the material is difficult to recycle due to its thinness and the fact that it is often contaminated with other materials. Second, plastic wrap is often disposed of improperly, leading to environmental pollution. Finally, the production of plastic wrap relies on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

To address these challenges, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation recommended several strategies, including encouraging organizations to look for alternative solutions to plastic wrap as it was estimated that 20% of plastic packaging could be replaced with reusable systems.

It also highlighted several case studies of companies that have taken steps to address the issue of plastic pallet wrap. For example, Walmart has implemented a program to reduce plastic wrap used in its supply chain by 10% and has also invested in a closed-loop recycling system for plastic wrap.

Overall, the report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of plastic pallet wrap on the environment and identifies opportunities for a more sustainable future. The report highlights the need for a systemic change in the way we produce, use, and dispose of plastics, and recommends several strategies to achieve this goal.