The impact of packaging waste on our planet has become a burning problem. From the plastic pollution that pollutes the oceans and the world living in them to the overcrowded waste disposal sites - landfills, the consequences of excessive use of packaging are obvious. During this crisis, it is necessary to find sources of innovative initiatives aimed at eliminating unnecessary packaging and encouraging a better, environmentally conscious future.
Unnecessary packaging harms ecosystems on a global level. Animals mistake it for food, leading to injury or death, while ecosystems suffer from pollution and degradation. This is why it is urgently necessary to reduce consumption and adopt sustainable packaging practices to protect our planet for generations to come.
The latest Eurostat data show that in 2021, each European produced an average of more than 188 kg of packaging waste. From 2010 to 2021, paper and cardboard were the main packaging waste in the EU (34.0 million tons in 2021), followed by plastic (16.1 million tons) and glass packaging waste (15.6 million tons). As much as 1/3 of solid municipal waste is mad of packaging waste. If no action is taken in the near future, the amount of packaging waste could increase by another 19% by 2030.
The proposal of the new EU Directive on packaging waste from 2022 aims to reduce the impact of packaging waste on the environment. The aforementioned directive should be a key step towards a sustainable and circular economy within the European Union. In December 2023, 27 EU member states reached an agreement on the position of the Council for negotiations with the European Parliament on that proposal. The Council and the European Parliament must reach an agreement on the final form of the text of the legislative act before it becomes an EU regulation. This proposal has three main objectives: to reduce packaging waste, to promote a circular economy for packaging in a cost-effective way, and to harmonize packaging rules across the EU. The adoption of this directive would support the EU Green Plan and the action plan for the circular economy and would replace the old Directive on packaging and packaging waste, turning it into a directly applicable regulation in all EU member states.
One of the examples of innovative approaches in packaging waste management comes from the cosmetics industry. In recent years, toothpaste manufacturing has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability as leading manufacturers announce a switch to recycled packaging. The use of recycled packaging in the cosmetics industry is not only a step towards sustainability, but also a response to the growing awareness of consumers about ecological issues. This transformation represents a key moment in the industry's journey towards environmental protection, driven by a combination of growing awareness of plastic pollution and increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. Cardboard boxes that are often used to pack tubes of toothpaste can serve aesthetic or marketing purposes, but at the same time they contribute to the creation of unnecessary waste and a negative impact on the environment. Many consumers consider this packaging superfluous because they primarily serve as decorative outer layers that are thrown away immediately after purchase. In order to resolve this problem, some of the toothpaste manufacturers (GSK Consumer Healthcare (Sensodyne, Parodontax, Aquafresh), Colgate, Green People) are questioning their packing strategies in order to reduce the unnecessary use of the paper. This may involve adopting a more modern packaging design or a total removal of the unnecessary outer layers altogether. In addition, the delivery of toothpaste in packaging that is easily recycled or made from recycled materials further increases the environmental acceptability of the product.
The emergence of reusable packaging for cosmetics such as shampoos and shower gels is a promising solution to the problem of unnecessary packaging waste. Instead of relying on single-use plastic bottles, consumers can now decide to use durable bottles that can be refilled at refill stations, thus eliminating the need for extra packaging and reducing waste. This approach benefits the environment by reducing the amount of plastic waste and also offers consumers flexibility, cost savings and the opportunity to actively participate in sustainability efforts. By embracing reusable containers, brands are taking significant steps towards the future of the cosmetics industry. Products for hair care for hair care such as Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Herbal Essences and Aussie now come in reusable aluminium bottles and refillable pouches. These aluminium containers are made from a fully recycled material that is extremely durable and can be used and refilled over a long period of time, providing a permanent replacement for single-use plastics.
Also, unnecessary plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables is a widespread problem that contributes to environmental pollution. Despite the natural protection of many types of fruits and vegetables, they are often individually wrapped or packed in plastic, which leads to unnecessary waste generation. While some consumers value convenience, at the same time demand for plastic-free alternatives is growing. The retailers (for example Unpacked Living, Lush, Aldi) play a significant role in encouraging the use of unnecessary packaging, but efforts are also underway to promote sustainable alternatives such as containers and compostable materials.
Solving this problem requires joint efforts to reduce the use of unnecessary packaging and adopt more environmentally friendly packaging practices, and the EU Packaging Waste Directive for 2022 is a key element in the strategy of the European Union to reduce packaging waste and encourage a circular economy.
